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ACS Omega Jan 2024Although both the function and biocompatibility of protein-based biomaterials are better than those of synthetic materials, their usage as medical material is currently...
Although both the function and biocompatibility of protein-based biomaterials are better than those of synthetic materials, their usage as medical material is currently limited by their high costs, low yield, and low batch-to-batch reproducibility. In this article, we show how α-lactalbumin (α-LA), rich in tryptophan, was used to produce a novel type of naturally occurring, protein-based biomaterial suitable for wound dressing. To create a photo-cross-linkable polymer, α-LA was methacrylated at a 100-g batch scale with >95% conversion and 90% yield. α-LAMA was further processed using photo-cross-linking-based advanced processing techniques such as microfluidics and 3D printing to create injectable hydrogels, monodispersed microspheres, and patterned scaffolds. The obtained α-LAMA hydrogels show promising biocompatibility and degradability during in vivo testing. Additionally, the α-LAMA hydrogel can accelerate post-traumatic wound healing and promote new tissue regeneration. In conclusion, cheap and safe α-LAMA-based biomaterials could be produced, and they have a beneficial effect on wound healing. As a result, there may arise a potential partnership between the dairy industry and the development of pharmaceuticals.
PubMed: 38222502
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05793 -
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nov 2023Burn injury is a serious public health problem and scientists are continuously aiming to develop promising biomimetic dressings for effective burn wound management. In...
Burn injury is a serious public health problem and scientists are continuously aiming to develop promising biomimetic dressings for effective burn wound management. In this study, a greater efficacy in burn wound healing and the associated mechanisms of α-lactalbumin (ALA) based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds (ENs) as compared to other regenerative protein scaffolds were established. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), collagen type I (COL), lysozyme (LZM) and ALA were separately blended with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) to fabricate four different composite ENs (LZM/PCL, BSA/PCL, COL/PCL and ALA/PCL ENs). The hydrophilic composite scaffolds exhibited an enhanced wettability and variable mechanical properties. The ALA/PCL ENs demonstrated higher levels of fibroblast proliferation and adhesion than the other composite ENs. As compared to PCL ENs and other composite scaffolds, the ALA/PCL ENs also promoted a better maturity of the regenerative skin tissues and showed a comparable wound healing effect to Collagen sponge on third-degree burn model. The enhanced wound healing activity of ALA/PCL ENs compared to other ENs could be attributed to their ability to promote serotonin production at wound sites. Collectively, this investigation demonstrated that ALA is a unique protein with a greater potential for burn wound healing as compared to other regenerative proteins when loaded in the nanofibrous scaffolds.
PubMed: 38204470
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100856 -
Nutrients Jan 2024Shifts toward increased proteolytic fermentation, such as, for example, in athlete and high-protein weight loss diets, may alter the relative abundance of microbial...
Shifts toward increased proteolytic fermentation, such as, for example, in athlete and high-protein weight loss diets, may alter the relative abundance of microbial species in the gut and generate bioactive, potentially deleterious metabolic products. In the current investigation, intestinal (caecal) microbiota composition was studied in rats fed diets differing only in their constituent proteins: milk (casein (CAS), lactalbumin (LA)) or legume () protein isolates (chickpea protein isolate (CPI), lupin protein isolate (LI)). ANOSIM and Discriminant Analysis showed significant ( < 0.05) differences at both family and genus levels in both microbiota composition and functionality as a consequence of feeding the different proteins. Differences were also significant ( < 0.05) for predicted functionality parameters as determined by PICRUSt analysis. LA induced a generally healthier microbiota composition than CAS, and higher amounts of spp. and Methanogenic_PWY were found in the LI group. LEfSe analysis of bacterial composition and functional activities revealed a number of groups/functions able to explain the different effects found with milk and legume protein isolates. In conclusion, the mostly beneficial modulation of intestinal microbiota generally found with legume-based diets is likely to be due, at least in part, to their constituent proteins.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Milk; Diet; Microbiota; Vegetables; Caseins; Lactalbumin; Cicer; Fabaceae; Legumins
PubMed: 38201979
DOI: 10.3390/nu16010149 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Protein content variation in milk can impact the quality and consistency of dairy products, necessitating access to in-line real time monitoring. Here, we present a...
Protein content variation in milk can impact the quality and consistency of dairy products, necessitating access to in-line real time monitoring. Here, we present a chemometric approach for the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, using mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR). In this study, we employed Hotelling T2 and Q-residual for outlier detection, automated preprocessing using nippy, conducted wavenumber selection with genetic algorithms, and evaluated four chemometric models, including partial least squares, support vector regression (SVR), ridge, and logistic regression to accurately predict the concentrations of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in milk. For the quantitative analysis of these two whey proteins, SVR performed the best to interpret protein concentration from 197 MIR spectra originating from 42 Cornell University samples of preserved pasteurized modified milk. The R values obtained for β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin using leave one out cross-validation (LOOCV) are 92.8% and 92.7%, respectively, which is the highest correlation reported to date. Our approach introduced a combination of preprocessing automation, genetic algorithm-based wavenumber selection, and used Optuna to optimize the framework for tuning hyperparameters of the chemometric models, resulting in the best chemometric analysis of MIR data to quantitate β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin to date.
PubMed: 38201194
DOI: 10.3390/foods13010166 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Feb 2024Human milk contains extracellular vesicles (HMEVs). Pre-clinical models suggest that HMEVs may enhance intestinal function and limit inflammation; however, it is unknown...
Human milk contains extracellular vesicles (HMEVs). Pre-clinical models suggest that HMEVs may enhance intestinal function and limit inflammation; however, it is unknown if HMEVs or their cargo survive neonatal human digestion. This limits the ability to leverage HMEV cargo as additives to infant nutrition or as therapeutics. This study aimed to develop an EV isolation pipeline from small volumes of human milk and neonatal intestinal contents after milk feeding (digesta) to address the hypothesis that HMEVs survive in vivo neonatal digestion to be taken up intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Digesta was collected from nasoduodenal sampling tubes or ostomies. EVs were isolated from raw and pasteurized human milk and digesta by density-gradient ultracentrifugation following two-step skimming, acid precipitation of caseins, and multi-step filtration. EVs were validated by electron microscopy, western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, resistive pulse sensing, and super-resolution microscopy. EV uptake was tested in human neonatal enteroids. HMEVs and digesta EVs (dEVs) show typical EV morphology and are enriched in CD81 and CD9, but depleted of β-casein and lactalbumin. HMEV and some dEV fractions contain mammary gland-derived protein BTN1A1. Neonatal human enteroids rapidly take up dEVs in part via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our data suggest that EVs can be isolated from digestive fluid and that these dEVs can be absorbed by IECs.
PubMed: 38187651
DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.03.556067 -
Journal of Sleep Research Jan 2024Insufficient sleep is a growing global problem, with poor sleep associated with many negative health and performance outcomes. Previous reviews investigating the effect... (Review)
Review
Insufficient sleep is a growing global problem, with poor sleep associated with many negative health and performance outcomes. Previous reviews investigating the effect of diet on sleep have highlighted the amino acid tryptophan as a promising sleep-promoting nutrient, with the richest food source of tryptophan, ⍺-lactalbumin, requiring further investigation. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to review the existing evidence of association between ⍺-lactalbumin and sleep. Four electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, Embase, MEDLINE Complete, and SPORTDiscus with Full Text) were searched from database inception to March 2023, with primary research articles included if they contained α-lactalbumin as an independent variable, an outcome measure of sleep or sleepiness, and participants were ≥ 18 years old. Eight studies were reviewed, with four studies recruiting athletic populations (50%) and four recruiting healthy participants (50%). Sleep or sleepiness was measured objectively in six studies (75%), with two studies employing polysomnography and four utilizing actigraphy to assess sleep. Across the studies, 20-60 g of ⍺-lactalbumin was supplemented, with five studies (63%) observing a positive association between α-lactalbumin and sleep. Sleep-onset latency was the primary sleep metric improved following evening supplementation of α-lactalbumin (≤ 3.5 hr pre-sleep), with no studies observing any negative associations with sleep. Data from this review suggest that individuals that have difficulty initiating sleep may benefit most from pre-sleep α-lactalbumin supplementation. Further research is required to establish the effect that α-lactalbumin has on sleep architecture, through the use of more comprehensive sleep analysis tools such as portable electroencephalography or polysomnography, in combination with stringent dietary controls.
PubMed: 38185736
DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14141 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and... Jan 2024Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in young children. As improved diagnostic tools, allergic tests are inconsistent and limited in...
BACKGROUND
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in young children. As improved diagnostic tools, allergic tests are inconsistent and limited in predicting anaphylaxis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore risk factors for anaphylaxis and to determine practical cut-offs for allergic tests in predicting anaphylaxis.
METHODS
This is a prospective cohort study. Children with IgE-mediated CMA were enrolled and divided into three groups (Group 1: non-anaphylaxis; Group 2: GRADE I anaphylaxis; Group 3: GRADE II-IV anaphylaxis that warranted epinephrine). Prick-to-prick tests (PTPs) using fresh cow's milk (CM) were performed. Serum specific IgE (sIgE) against CM and its components, including casein, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and bovine serum albumin were measured. The 90% and 95% positive predictive value (PPV) decision points for predicting anaphylaxis were determined. Potential predictors of anaphylaxis were evaluated in logistic regression models.
RESULTS
This study included 134 CMA patients with a median age of 14.4 months. The sensitization rate to any CM component was 89%. Group 3 was more likely to be sensitized to multiple CM components and have higher sIgE levels. The 95% PPV diagnostic decision points of casein-sIgE in predicting anaphylaxis was 13.0 kUA/L. For GRADE II-IV anaphylaxis, casein-sIgE ≥ 54.9 kUA/L could provide a PPV of 88.9%. The elevated casein-sIgE level (OR 14.0, P=0.025) and complicating respiratory allergic diseases (OR 4.8, P=0.022) were independent risk factors for GRADE II-IV anaphylaxis.
CONCLUSION
High casein-sIgE levels are strongly associated with CM anaphylaxis. Detection of casein-sIgE may offer an additional value for the prediction of CM anaphylaxis.
PubMed: 38183641
DOI: 10.12932/AP-010823-1667 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Fermented dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk) are significant in the dairy industry. They are less immunoreactive than the raw materials from which they... (Review)
Review
Fermented dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk) are significant in the dairy industry. They are less immunoreactive than the raw materials from which they are derived. The attractiveness of these products is based on their bioactivity and properties that induce immune or anti-inflammatory processes. In the search for new solutions, plant raw materials with beneficial effects have been combined to multiply their effects or obtain new properties. Polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes) are present in fruit and vegetables, but also in coffee, tea, or wine. They reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or inflammation. Hence, it is becoming valuable to combine dairy proteins with polyphenols, of which epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) show a particular predisposition to bind to milk proteins (e.g., α-lactalbumin β-lactoglobulin, αs1-casein, and κ-casein). Reducing the allergenicity of milk proteins by combining them with polyphenols is an essential issue. As potential 'metabolic prebiotics', they also contribute to stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. In silico methods, mainly docking, assess the new structures of conjugates and the consequences of the interactions that are formed between proteins and polyphenols, as well as to predict their action in the body.
Topics: Humans; Phenols; Polyphenols; Flavonoids; Cultured Milk Products; Milk Proteins
PubMed: 38138571
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248081 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Dec 2023Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose levels and lipid alterations. Besides pharmacological treatment, lifestyle modifications and...
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose levels and lipid alterations. Besides pharmacological treatment, lifestyle modifications and nutraceuticals can be used to manage glucose and lipid profiles, which is crucial for preventing, or avoiding, serious consequences associated with the condition. This randomized controlled clinical trial on 75 patients with T2DM evaluated the effects of a combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol (40:1), α-lactalbumin, Gymnema sylvestre, and zinc on glucose and lipid profile. The intention-to-treat analysis displayed no significant differences in glucose parameters between the groups; however, the study group displayed reduced levels of total cholesterol ( = 0.01) and LDL ( = 0.03) after 3 months of supplementation. A subgroup analysis involving patients who did not modify their antidiabetic therapy, after 6 months displayed improved levels of total cholesterol ( = 0.03) and LDL ( = 0.04) in the study group versus placebo, along with a greater body weight reduction ( = 0.03) after 3 months. Furthermore, within the study group, levels of HDL ( = 0.03) and triglycerides ( = 0.04) improved after 3 months. These findings support supplementation with myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol (40:1), α-lactalbumin, Gymnema sylvestre, and zinc as an adjuvant and safe strategy to manage the lipid profiles of patients with T2DM.
PubMed: 38137721
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247650 -
Cureus Dec 2023Cow's milk protein allergies (CMPAs) particularly occur in infancy and early childhood due to an immunological allergic reaction to milk proteins. This issue is...
Cow's milk protein allergies (CMPAs) particularly occur in infancy and early childhood due to an immunological allergic reaction to milk proteins. This issue is increasing in Saudi Arabia and requires research to improve health status and provide alternatives. Our study aims to investigate the important aspects of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG CMPA in Saudi Arabia regarding its prevalence and association with demographic and health-related factors in both adult and pediatric populations. A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 376 patients, comprising 314 adults aged between 19 and 86 years, and 62 pediatric patients aged between one and 12 years. The study focused on individuals who attended a private medical center in Jeddah city over the past five years. Laboratory results for food allergy of IgE and IgG tests, including cow's milk proteins (CMPs), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), specific IgE inhalant allergy results, and other health-related factors were collected from an electronic record system. Results have shown that casein was the most common sensitizing allergen of CMPs in adults, whereas α-lactalbumin was the most common sensitizing allergen in pediatrics. The most frequent sensitizing allergen in IgG CMP was cow's milk in 54/92 (58.7%) adults, followed by cow's sour milk products 41 (44.6%). Cow's milk was the most common sensitizing allergen in 20/20 (100%) children. The rate of CMPA was significantly higher in children younger than five years old ( =0.003), while children who interacted with pets had a marginal significantly reduced rate ( = 0.054). Thus, cow's milk is the most sensitizing allergen in IgG CMPs in adults and pediatrics.
PubMed: 38125695
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50812