This research was carried out to optimize the extraction process of proteins from pomegranate seeds and characterize their in vitro digestibility as well as their thermal and functional properties. For this purpose, the study screened five parameters (liquid/solid ratio, pH, temperature, NaCl concentration, and time) that could potentially influence the extraction process. This screening was conducted using a two-level Placket-Burman design (PBD). The significant parameters (pH and NaCl concentration) were subsequently optimized using a three-level face-centered central composite design (FCCD) to determine the optimum extraction conditions. A maximum protein recovery of 83.8% was obtained at pH 11.0 and NaCl concentration of 0.0 M. Pomegranate seed protein isolate (PSPI) with a protein content of 92.4% (w/w) was obtained through the isoelectric precipitation of pomegranate seed protein extracted under the optimized conditions. An emulsifying activity index of 14.1 m2 g-1 was observed at the isoelectric pH, where the emulsion stability index was at 8.2%. PSPI also showed high water- and oil-holding capacities (3.7 and 4.3 g g-1, respectively). The essential amino acid levels in PSPI (except for valine and isoleucine) exceeded the recommended amounts set by WHO/FAO/UNU for adults, highlighting its high nutritional value. Based on thermal analysis data, denaturation of PSPI could occur at 89.5°C. The in vitro digestibility of PSPI was found to be 74.3%. PSPI shows a potential as a novel ingredient for substituting animal-based proteins in various food applications.

Animal-sourced foods, such as meats, poultry, eggs, milk, and fish are nutrient-dense foods that are rich sources of protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients that can be challenging to obtain solely through plant-based foods. Animal-sourced protein foods provide crucial nutrients that support the growth and development in children, maintenance of muscle mass and function in adults, gain in muscle mass and strength in exercising individuals, and mitigation of sarcopenia in the elderly. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have identified the important role of animal-sourced foods in the diet at every stage of life. Animal-sourced foods are consumed worldwide and contribute to global food security.

CONCLUSIONS: A total of 544 significant marker-trait associations and 286 candidate genes associated with total protein and 18 amino acids were identified. Thirty-three candidate genes were found near the strong marker trait associations (- log10P ≥ 5.5). Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is largely grown as a subsistence crop in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as a major source of daily protein intake in these regions. Despite its importance, no systematic effort has been made to study the genetic variations of protein and amino acid content in pearl millet germplasm. The present study was undertaken to dissect the global genetic variations of total protein and 18 essential and non-essential amino acids in pearl millet, using a set of 435 K Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 161 genotypes of the Pearl Millet Inbred Germplasm Association Panel (PMiGAP). A total of 544 significant marker-trait associations (at P < 0.0001; - log10P ≥ 4) were detected and 23 strong marker-trait associations were identified using Bonferroni\'s correction method. Forty-eight pleiotropic loci were found in the genome for the studied traits. In total, 286 candidate genes associated with total protein and 18 amino acids were identified. Thirty-three candidate genes were found near strongly associated SNPs. The associated markers and the candidate genes provide an insight into the genetic architecture of the traits studied and are going to be useful in breeding improved pearl millet varieties in the future. Availabilities of improved pearl millet varieties possessing higher protein and amino acid compositions will help combat the rising malnutrition problem via diet.

Globalization and climate change are both contributing to an increase in the number of potentially invasive algae in coastal areas. In terms of biodiversity and financial losses, the invasiveness of algae has become a significant issue in Orbetello Lagoon. Indeed, studies from the Tuscany Regional Agency for Environmental Protection show that the reduction in dissolved oxygen caused by algal diffusion is detrimental to fisheries and biodiversity. Considering that wakame and numerous other potentially invasive seaweeds are consumed as food in Asia, we assess the nutritional and nutraceutical qualities of two potentially invasive seaweeds: Valonia aegagrophila and Chaetomorpha linum. We found that both algae are a valuable source of proteins and essential amino acids. Even if the fat content accounts for less than 2% of the dried weight, its quality is high, due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids. Both algae are rich in antioxidants pigments and polyphenols, which can be exploited as nutraceuticals. Most importantly, human gastrointestinal digestion increased the quantity of polyphenols and originated secondary metabolites with ACE inhibitory activity. Taken together, our data strongly promote the use of Valonia aegagrophila and Chaetomorpha linum as functional foods, with possible application in the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Recently, many studies have been devoted to discovering nutrients for exercise-like effects. Resistance exercise and the intake of essential amino acids (EAAs) are known to be factors that can affect muscle mass and strength improvement. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in muscle quality, myokines, and inflammation in response to resistance exercise and EAA supplementation.
METHODS: Thirty-four males volunteered to participate in this study. They were assigned to four groups: (1) placebo (CO), (2) resistance exercise (RE), (3) EAA supplementation, and (4) RE + EAA supplementation. Body composition, muscle quality, myokines, and inflammation were measured at baseline and four weeks after treatment.
RESULTS: Lean body fat had decreased in both RE and RE + EAA groups. Lean body mass had increased in only the RE + EAA group. In all groups except for CO, irisin, myostatin A, and TNF-α levels had decreased. The grip strength of the right hand and trunk flexion peak torque increased in the RE group. The grip strength of the left hand, trunk flexion peak torque, and knee flexion peak torque of the left leg were increased in RE + EAA.
CONCLUSIONS: RE, EAA, and RE + EAA could effectively improve the muscle quality, myokine, and inflammation factors of young adult males. This finding highlights the importance of resistance exercise and amino acid intake.

Signal recognition particles (SRPs) are essential for regulating intracellular protein transport and secretion. Patients with tumors with high SRP9 expression tend to have a poorer overall survival. However, to the best of our knowledge, no reports have described the relationship between SRP9 localization and prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate this relationship. Immunohistochemical staining for SRP9 using excised specimens from pancreatic cancer surgery cases without preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy showed that SRP9 was preferentially expressed in the nucleus of the cancerous regions in some cases, which was hardly detected in other cases, indicating that SRP9 was transported to the nucleus in the former cases. To compare the prognosis of patients with SRP9 nuclear translocation, patients were divided into two groups: Those with a nuclear translocation rate of >50% and those with a nuclear translocation rate of ≤50%. The nuclear translocation rate of >50% group had a significantly better recurrence‑free survival than the nuclear translocation rate of ≤50% group (P=0.037). Subsequent in vitro experiments were conducted; notably, the nuclear translocation rate of SRP9 was reduced under amino acid‑deficient conditions, suggesting that multiple factors are involved in this phenomenon. To further study the function of SRP9 nuclear translocation, in vitro experiments were performed by introducing SRP9 splicing variants (v1 and v2) and their deletion mutants lacking C‑terminal regions into MiaPaCa pancreatic cancer cells. The results demonstrated that both splicing variants showed nuclear translocation regardless of the C‑terminal deletions, suggesting the role of the N‑terminal regions. Given that SRP9 is an RNA‑binding protein, the study of RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that signaling pathways involved in cancer progression and protein translation were downregulated in nuclear‑translocated v1 and v2. Undoubtedly, further studies of the nuclear translocation of SRP9 will open an avenue to optimize the precise evaluation and therapeutic control of pancreatic cancer.

The rapid growth of the global population has led to an unprecedented demand for dietary protein. Canola seeds, being a widely utilized oil resource, generate substantial meal by-products following oil extraction. Fortunately, canola meals are rich in protein. In this present review, foremost attention is directed towards summarizing the characteristics of canola seed and canola seed protein. Afterwards, points of discussion related to pretreatment include an introduction to pulsed electric field treatment (PEF), microwave treatment (MC), and ultrasound treatment (UL). Then, the extraction method is illustrated, including alkaline extraction, isoelectric precipitation, acid precipitation, micellization (salt extraction), and dry fractionation and tribo-electrostatic separation. Finally, the structural complexity, physicochemical properties, and functional capabilities of rapeseed seeds, as well as the profound impact of various applications of rapeseed proteins, are elaborated. Through a narrative review of recent research findings, this paper aims to enhance a comprehensive understanding of the potential of canola seed protein as a valuable nutritional supplement, highlighting the pivotal role played by various extraction methods. Additionally, it sheds light on the broad spectrum of applications where canola protein demonstrates its versatility and indispensability as a resource.

Proteins are needed for providing essential amino acids, nitrogen, and fuel for the body\'s needs in all age groups. Proteins are especially required during active growth in pregnancy, lactation, childhood, and tissue growth in general. An adequate protein intake is needed in old adults to avoid premature muscle loss. According to the current dietary surveys, protein intake in the Nordic and Baltic countries varies from 15 to 19% of the total energy intake in adults. Comprehensive data regarding children and older adults are lacking. No good measure for protein status exists, and the estimation of physiological requirements is based on N-balance studies having some weaknesses. Protein quality is assessed by considering the protein digestibility of individual indispensable amino acids and their utilization (bioavailability), which is affected by food antinutrients and processing. The evidence regarding the association of protein intake per se with health outcomes is limited or suggestive. It is difficult to separate from the effect of other nutrients or ingredients in protein-rich foods. Proteins are widespread in foods, deriving from both animal and plant sources. Animal-sourced protein production puts more strain on the environment than plant-sourced proteins and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, thereby enhancing climate change. In Nordic and Baltic countries, consumption of animal-sourced proteins is relatively high. A shift toward more plant-based protein diets would be advisable for promoting a healthy and sustainable diet.

UNASSIGNED: The main aim of this research is to study the protective effects of tryptophan on the histomorphological and biochemical abnormalities in the liver caused by a high-calorie diet (HCD), as well as its ability to normalize mitochondrial functions in order to prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
UNASSIGNED: The study was conducted in male Wistar rats aged 3 months at the start of the experiment. Control animals (group I) were fed a standard diet. Group II experimental animals were fed a diet with an excess of fat (45%) and carbohydrates (31%) for 12 weeks. Group III experimental animals also received L-tryptophan at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight in addition to the HCD. The presence of NAFLD, functional activity, physiological regeneration, and the state of the liver parenchyma and connective tissue were assessed using physiological, morphological, histo-morphometric, biochemical, and biophysical research methods.
UNASSIGNED: HCD induced the development of NAFLD, which is characterized by an increase in liver weight, hypertrophy of hepatocytes and an increase in the concentration of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in liver tissue. Increased alanine aminotransferase activity in the liver of obese rats also confirm hepatocytes damage. Tryptophan added to the diet lowered the severity of NAFLD by reducing fat accumulation and violations of bioelectric properties, and prevented a decrease in mitochondrial ATP synthesis.
UNASSIGNED: The addition of tryptophan can have a potential positive effect on the liver, reducing the severity of structural, biochemical, mitochondrial and bioelectric damage caused by HCD.

Maintenance of the proteasome requires oxidative phosphorylation (ATP) and mitigation of oxidative damage, in an increasingly dysfunctional relationship with aging. SLC3A2 plays a role on both sides of this dichotomy as an adaptor to SLC7A5, a transporter of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: Leu, Ile, Val), and to SLC7A11, a cystine importer supplying cysteine to the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. Endurance in mammalian muscle depends in part on oxidation of BCAA; however, elevated serum levels are associated with insulin resistance and shortened lifespans. Intriguingly, the evolution of modern birds (Neoaves) has entailed the purging of genes including SLC3A2, SLC7A5, -7, -8, -10, and SLC1A4, -5, largely removing BCAA exchangers and their interacting Na+/Gln symporters in pursuit of improved energetics. Additional gene purging included mitochondrial BCAA aminotransferase (BCAT2), pointing to reduced oxidation of BCAA and increased hepatic conversion to triglycerides and glucose. Fat deposits are anhydrous and highly reduced, maximizing the fuel/weight ratio for prolonged flight, but fat accumulation in muscle cells of aging humans contributes to inflammation and senescence. Duplications of the bidirectional α-ketoacid transporters SLC16A3, SLC16A7, the cystine transporters SLC7A9, SLC7A11, and N-glycan branching enzymes MGAT4B, MGAT4C in Neoaves suggests a shift to the transport of deaminated essential amino acid, and stronger mitigation of oxidative stress supported by the galectin lattice. We suggest that Alfred Lotka\'s theory of natural selection as a maximum power organizer (PNAS 8:151,1922) made an unusually large contribution to Neoave evolution. Further molecular analysis of Neoaves may reveal novel rewiring with applications for human health and longevity.