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Glycoconjugate Journal Apr 2023Dried leech (Whitmania pigra whitman) has been widely used as a traditional animal-based Chinese medicine. Dried leech extracts have been reported to have various...
Dried leech (Whitmania pigra whitman) has been widely used as a traditional animal-based Chinese medicine. Dried leech extracts have been reported to have various biological activities that are often associated with mammalian glycosaminoglycans. However, their presence and possible structural characteristics within dried leech were previously unknown. In this study, glycosaminoglycans were isolated from dried leech for the first time and their structures were analyzed by the combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate were detected in dried leech with varied disaccharide compositions and possess a heterogeneous structure. Heparan sulfate species possess an equal amount of total 2-O-sulfated, N-sulfated and acetylated disaccharides, while chondroitin sulfate /dermatan sulfate contain high content of 4-O-sulfated disaccharides. Also, the quantitative analysis revealed that the contents of heparan sulfate and chondroitin/dermatan sulfate in dried leech varied significantly, with chondroitin/dermatan sulfate being by far the most abundant. This novel structural information could help clarify the possible involvement of these polysaccharides in the biological activities of the dried leech. Furthermore, leech glycosaminoglycans showed a strong ABTS radical scavenging ability, which suggests the potential of leech polysaccharides for exploitation in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Topics: Animals; Glycosaminoglycans; Chondroitin Sulfates; Dermatan Sulfate; Antioxidants; Heparitin Sulfate; Mammals; Disaccharides
PubMed: 36749437
DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10105-y -
MSphere Apr 2022Yeast species in the and genera (W/S clade) thrive in the sugar-rich floral niche. We have previously shown that species belonging to this clade harbor an unparalleled...
Yeast species in the and genera (W/S clade) thrive in the sugar-rich floral niche. We have previously shown that species belonging to this clade harbor an unparalleled number of genes of bacterial origin, among which is the gene, encoding a sucrose-hydrolyzing enzyme. In this study, we used complementary and experimental approaches to examine sucrose utilization in a broader cohort of species representing extant diversity in the W/S clade. Distinct strategies and modes of sucrose assimilation were unveiled, involving either extracellular sucrose hydrolysis through secreted bacterial Suc2 or intracellular assimilation using broad-substrate-range α-glucoside/H symporters and α-glucosidases. The intracellular pathway is encoded in two types of gene clusters reminiscent of the clusters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where they are involved in maltose utilization. The genes composing each of the two types of clusters found in the W/S clade have disparate evolutionary histories, suggesting that they formed . Both transporters and glucosidases were shown to be functional and additionally involved in the metabolization of other disaccharides, such as maltose and melezitose. In one species lacking the α-glucoside transporter, maltose assimilation is accomplished extracellularly, an attribute which has been rarely observed in fungi. Sucrose assimilation in generally escaped both glucose repression and the need for an activator and is thus essentially constitutive, which is consistent with the abundance of both glucose and sucrose in the floral niche. The notable plasticity associated with disaccharide utilization in the W/S clade is discussed in the context of ecological implications and energy metabolism. Microbes usually have flexible metabolic capabilities and are able to use different compounds to meet their needs. The yeasts belonging to the and genera (forming the so-called W/S clade) are usually found in flowers or insects that visit flowers and are known for having acquired many genes from bacteria by a process called horizontal gene transfer. One such gene, dubbed , is used to assimilate sucrose, which is one of the most abundant sugars in floral nectar. Here, we show that different lineages within the W/S clade used different solutions for sucrose utilization that dispensed and differed in their energy requirements, in their capacity to scavenge small amounts of sucrose from the environment, and in the potential for sharing this resource with other microbial species. We posit that this plasticity is possibly dictated by adaptation to the specific requirements of each species.
Topics: Glucose; Glucosides; Humans; Maltose; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomycetales; Sucrose
PubMed: 35354279
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00035-22 -
Glycoconjugate Journal Oct 2022Galα1 → and GalNAcα1 → are the two essential key sugars in human blood group AB active glycotopes, in which GalNAcα1 → related sequences are located... (Review)
Review
Galα1 → and GalNAcα1 → are the two essential key sugars in human blood group AB active glycotopes, in which GalNAcα1 → related sequences are located at both sides of the nonreducing and the reducing ends of human blood group A active O-glycans. It is also found at the nonreducing ends of GlcNAc N-glycans and glycosphingolipid(GSL) of human blood group A active glycotopes (A) and Forssman antigen (F). When monosaccharides and their α, β anomers are involved in basic units to express the complex size of the combining sites of the GalNAcα1 → specific lectins, they can be divided into a cavity site to accommodate the GalNAcα → key sugar and a subsite with a wide and broad range of recognition area to adopt the rest part of sugar sequences or glycotopes. The function of the subsite is assumed to act as an enhancement factor to increase its affinity power. The following three points are the theme of this mini review: (1) the loci and distribution of the GalNAcα1 → related glycotopes in mammalian glycoconjugates are illustrated and their chemical structures are advanced by the expression of the disaccharide units and code system; (2) the sizes and motifs of GalNAcα1 → specific lectin-glycan interactions are given and (3) the role of the polyvalent blood group A and B glycotopes as blood group AB antigens are proposed. These three highlights should provide an essential background required for the advances in this field.
Topics: Animals; Blood Group Antigens; Disaccharides; Glycoconjugates; Humans; Lectins; Mammals; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 35962217
DOI: 10.1007/s10719-022-10068-6 -
Gut Microbes 2021Human milk glycans present a unique diversity of structures that suggest different mechanisms by which they may affect the infant microbiome development. A humanized...
Human milk glycans present a unique diversity of structures that suggest different mechanisms by which they may affect the infant microbiome development. A humanized mouse model generated by infant fecal transplantation was utilized here to evaluate the impact of fucosyl-α1,3-GlcNAc (3FN), fucosyl-α1,6-GlcNAc, lacto--biose (LNB) and galacto--biose on the fecal microbiota and host-microbiota interactions. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed that certain bacterial genera significantly increased ( and ) or decreased ( and ) in all disaccharide-supplemented groups. Interestingly, cluster analysis differentiates the consumption of fucosyl-oligosaccharides from galactosyl-oligosaccharides, highlighting the disappearance of genus in both fucosyl-oligosaccharides. An increment of the relative abundance of genus was only observed with 3FN. As well, LNB significantly increased the relative abundance of , whereas the absolute levels of this genus, as measured by quantitative real-time PCR, did not significantly increase. OTUs corresponding to the species and were not present in the control after the 3-week intervention, but were shared among the donor and specific disaccharide groups, indicating that their survival is dependent on disaccharide supplementation. The 3FN-feeding group showed increased levels of butyrate and acetate in the colon, and decreased levels of serum HDL-cholesterol. 3FN also down-regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and up-regulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-13, and the Toll-like receptor 2 in the large intestine tissue. The present study revealed that the four disaccharides show efficacy in producing beneficial compositional shifts of the gut microbiota and in addition, the 3FN demonstrated physiological and immunomodulatory roles.
Topics: Acetates; Adult; Animals; Bacteria; Butyrates; DNA, Bacterial; Disaccharides; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Milk, Human; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Young Adult
PubMed: 33938391
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1914377 -
The Journal of Nutrition Apr 2022Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) have been shown to be involved in gastrointestinal disorders. In view of their...
BACKGROUND
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) have been shown to be involved in gastrointestinal disorders. In view of their proinflammatory potential and their interactions with the gut microbiota, their contribution to the etiology of other chronic diseases such as cancer has been postulated. However, to our knowledge, no epidemiologic study has investigated this hypothesis so far.
OBJECTIVES
Our objective was to investigate the associations between FODMAP intake (total and by type) and cancer risk (overall, breast, prostate, and colorectal) in a large prospective cohort.
METHODS
The study was based on the NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009-2020); 104,909 adult participants without cancer at baseline were included in our analyses (median follow-up time = 7.7 y, 78.7% women, mean ± SD age at baseline 42.1 ± 14.5 y). Baseline dietary intakes were obtained from repeated 24-h dietary records linked to a detailed food composition table. Associations between FODMAP intake (expressed in quintiles, Q) and cancer risks were assessed by Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for a large range of lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric variables.
RESULTS
Total FODMAP intake was associated with increased overall cancer risk (n = 3374 incident cases, HR for sex-specific Q5 compared with Q1: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44; P-trend = 0.04). In particular, oligosaccharides were associated with cancer risk: a trend was observed for overall cancer (HR Q5 compared with Q1: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.25; P-trend = 0.04) and colorectal cancer (n = 272, HR Q5 compared with Q1: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.13-2.79; P-trend = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
Results from this large population-based study on French adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort show a significant association between FODMAP intake and the risk of cancer development. Further epidemiologic and experimental studies are needed to confirm these results and provide data on the potential underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Adult; Male; Humans; Female; Disaccharides; Monosaccharides; Prospective Studies; Oligosaccharides; Neoplasms; Fermentation; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Diet
PubMed: 36967163
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab379 -
The Journal of Nutrition Apr 2022Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) have been shown to be involved in gastrointestinal disorders. In view of their...
BACKGROUND
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) have been shown to be involved in gastrointestinal disorders. In view of their proinflammatory potential and their interactions with the gut microbiota, their contribution to the etiology of other chronic diseases such as cancer has been postulated. However, to our knowledge, no epidemiologic study has investigated this hypothesis so far.
OBJECTIVES
Our objective was to investigate the associations between FODMAP intake (total and by type) and cancer risk (overall, breast, prostate, and colorectal) in a large prospective cohort.
METHODS
The study was based on the NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009-2020); 104,909 adult participants without cancer at baseline were included in our analyses (median follow-up time = 7.7 y, 78.7% women, mean ± SD age at baseline 42.1 ± 14.5 y). Baseline dietary intakes were obtained from repeated 24-h dietary records linked to a detailed food composition table. Associations between FODMAP intake (expressed in quintiles, Q) and cancer risks were assessed by Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for a large range of lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric variables.
RESULTS
Total FODMAP intake was associated with increased overall cancer risk (n = 3374 incident cases, HR for sex-specific Q5 compared with Q1: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44; P-trend = 0.04). In particular, oligosaccharides were associated with cancer risk: a trend was observed for overall cancer (HR Q5 compared with Q1: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.25; P-trend = 0.04) and colorectal cancer (n = 272, HR Q5 compared with Q1: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.13-2.79; P-trend = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
Results from this large population-based study on French adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort show a significant association between FODMAP intake and the risk of cancer development. Further epidemiologic and experimental studies are needed to confirm these results and provide data on the potential underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Adult; Diet; Disaccharides; Female; Fermentation; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Male; Monosaccharides; Neoplasms; Oligosaccharides; Polymers; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 34718693
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab379 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Feb 2024Diet is fundamental to the care of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, some approaches are not appropriate for individuals experiencing psychological symptoms. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Diet is fundamental to the care of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, some approaches are not appropriate for individuals experiencing psychological symptoms.
AIMS
To assess feasibility of a Mediterranean diet in IBS and its impact on gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms.
METHODS
We recruited adults with Rome IV IBS and mild or moderate anxiety and/or depressive symptoms to an unblinded 6-week randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to Mediterranean diet counselling or habitual diet. We collected gastrointestinal and psychological symptom data, dietary data and stool samples for metagenomic sequencing.
RESULTS
We randomised 59 individuals (29 Mediterranean diet, 30 control); 48 completed the study. The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener score was higher in the Mediterranean diet group than controls at week 6 (7.5 [95% CI: 6.9-8.0] vs. 5.7 [5.2-6.3], p < 0.001), and there was a greater score increase than controls (2.1 [95% CI: 1.3-2.9] vs. 0.5 [95% CI: 0.1-1.0], p = 0.004), demonstrating Mediterranean diet feasibility. There was a greater proportion of gastrointestinal symptom responders in the Mediterranean diet group than controls (24/29, 83% vs. 11/30, 37%, p < 0.001) and depression responders (15/29, 52% vs. 6/30 20%, p = 0.015). There was no difference in FODMAP intake at week 6 (p = 0.51). Gastrointestinal adverse events were similar (p = 0.588). There were no differences in change in microbiome parameters between groups.
CONCLUSIONS
A Mediterranean diet is feasible in IBS and leads to improvement in gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. Although this study was unblinded, these findings together with the broader benefits of the Mediterranean diet, provide strong impetus for future research in IBS. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620001362987.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Disaccharides; Diet, Mediterranean; Monosaccharides; Diet; Microbiota; Fermentation
PubMed: 37969059
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17791 -
Genes Jun 2023Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are very important for plant growth, development, and abiotic stress tolerance. Galactinol synthase (GolS) and raffinose...
Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are very important for plant growth, development, and abiotic stress tolerance. Galactinol synthase (GolS) and raffinose synthase (RFS) are critical enzymes involved in RFO biosynthesis. However, the whole-genome identification and stress responses of their coding genes in potato remain unexplored. In this study, four and nine genes were identified and classified into three and five subgroups, respectively. Remarkably, a total of two and four genes in potato were identified to form collinear pairs with those in both Arabidopsis and tomato, respectively. Subsequent analysis revealed that exhibited significantly high expression levels in transport-related tissues, PEG-6000, and ABA treatments, with remarkable upregulation under salt stress. Additionally, showed similar responses to , but and gene expression increased significantly under salt treatment and decreased in PEG-6000 and ABA treatments. Overall, these results lay a foundation for further research on the functional characteristics and molecular mechanisms of these two gene families in response to ABA, salt, and drought stresses, and provide a theoretical foundation and new gene resources for the abiotic-stress-tolerant breeding of potato.
Topics: Solanum tuberosum; Disaccharides; Plant Proteins; Plant Breeding; Stress, Physiological; Arabidopsis
PubMed: 37510251
DOI: 10.3390/genes14071344 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2021Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major health problems affecting hundreds of millions of people. Caloric overfeeding with calorie-dense food ingredients like sugars may... (Review)
Review
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major health problems affecting hundreds of millions of people. Caloric overfeeding with calorie-dense food ingredients like sugars may contribute to these chronic diseases. Sugar research has also identified mechanisms via which conventional sugars like sucrose and fructose can adversely influence metabolic health. To replace these sugars, numerous sugar replacers including artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols have been developed. Rare sugars became new candidates to replace conventional sugars and their health effects are already reported in individual studies, but overviews and critical appraisals of their health effects are missing. This is the first paper to provide a detailed review of the metabolic health effects of rare sugars as a group. Especially allulose has a wide range of health effects. Tagatose and isomaltulose have several health effects as well, while other rare sugars mainly provide health benefits in mechanistic studies. Hardly any health claims have been approved for rare sugars due to a lack of evidence from human trials. Human trials with direct measures for disease risk factors are needed to allow a final appraisal of promising rare sugars. Mechanistic cell culture studies and animal models are required to enlarge our knowledge on understudied rare sugars.
Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Disaccharides; Humans; Obesity; Sugars; Sweetening Agents
PubMed: 32212974
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1743966 -
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... Mar 2022A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) is a promising therapeutic approach to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms... (Review)
Review
A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) is a promising therapeutic approach to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, a shift toward a more sustainable, healthy diet with higher inclusion of whole-grain cereals (i.e., wheat, rye, barley) and pulses, naturally rich in FODMAPs, poses a severe challenge for susceptible individuals. Dietary restriction of fermentable carbohydrates (commonly called the "low FODMAP diet") has received significant consideration. Hence, the development of functional low FODMAP products is emerging in food science and the food industry. In this review, we evaluate the most promising yet neglected (bio)-technological strategies adopted for modulating the FODMAP contents in complex food systems and the extent of their uptake in the global food market. We extensively investigated the global low FODMAP market, contrasted with the status quo in food science and discussed the key principles and concomitant challenges of targeted FODMAP reduction strategies. Powerful tools are available which are based either on the use of ingredients where FODMAPs have been physically removed (e.g., by membrane filtration) or biotechnologically reduced during the food processing, mediated by added enzymes, microbial enzymes during a fermentation process, and seed endogenous enzymes. However, <10% of the small market of functional products with a low FODMAP claim (total ∼800 products) used any of the targeted FODMAP reduction techniques. The global market is currently dominated by gluten-free products, which are naturally low in FODMAPs and characterized by inferior sensory attributes.
Topics: Diet; Disaccharides; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Monosaccharides; Oligosaccharides
PubMed: 35122383
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12903