Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Yüksel, Ecem; Voragen, Alphons G. J.; Kort, Remco

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2400235pmid: 39264366

Abstract The human gastrointestinal microbiota, densely populated with a diverse array of microorganisms primarily from the bacterial phyla Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Actinomycetota, is crucial for maintaining health and physiological functions. Dietary fibers, particularly pectin, significantly influence the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiome. Pectin is fermented by gut bacteria using carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which provide various health benefits. The gastrointestinal microbiota has evolved to produce CAZymes that target different pectin components, facilitating cross-feeding within the microbial community. This review explores the fermentation of pectin by various gut bacteria, focusing on the involved transport systems, CAZyme families, SCFA synthesis capacity, and effects on microbial ecology in the gut. It addresses the complexities of the gut microbiome’s response to pectin and highlights the importance of microbial cross-feeding in maintaining a balanced and diverse gut ecosystem. Through a systematic analysis of pectinolytic CAZyme production, this review provides insights into the enzymatic mechanisms underlying pectin degradation and their broader implications for human health, paving the way for more targeted and personalized dietary strategies.

Xu, Lingyuan; Abd El-Aty, A. M.; Li, Peipei; Li, Jia; Zhao, Jing; Lei, Xingmei; Gao, Song; Zhao, Yun; She, Yongxin; Jin, Fen; Wang, Jing; Wang, Shuting; Zheng, Lufei; Hammock, Bruce D.; Jin, Maojun

Cui, Yanhua; Wang, Dongqi; Zhang, Lanwei; Qu, Xiaojun

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2400593pmid: 39244761

Abstract Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) must undergo three key stages of testing, including food processing, storage, and gastrointestinal tract environment, their beneficial effects could exert. The biofilm formation of probiotic LAB is helpful for improving their stress resistances, survival rates, and colonization abilities under adverse environmental conditions, laying an important foundation for their probiotic effects. In this review, the formation process, the composition and function of basic components of probiotic LAB biofilm have been summarized. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanism of probiotic LAB biofilm formation. In addition, the characteristics and related mechanisms of probiotics in biofilm state have been analyzed to guide the application of probiotic LAB biofilms in the field of health and food. The biofilm formation of LAB is an extremely complex process involving multiple regulatory factors. Besides quorum sensing (QS), other regulatory factors are not yet fully understood. The probiotic LAB in biofilm state exhibit superior survival rate, adhesion performance, and immunomodulation ability, attribute to various metabolic processes, including stress response, exopolysaccharide (EPS) metabolism, amino acid and protein metabolisms, etc. The understanding about regulatory mechanism of biofilm formation of different probiotic species and strains will accelerate the development and application of probiotics products.

Charoenwoodhipong, Prae; Zuelch, Michelle L.; Keen, Carl L.; Hackman, Robert M.; Holt, Roberta R.

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2398634pmid: 39262175

Abstract Strawberries provide a number of potential health promoting phytonutrients to include phenolics, polyphenols, fiber, micronutrients and vitamins. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of recent human studies pertaining to the intake of strawberry and strawberry phytonutrients on human health. A literature search conducted through PubMed and Cochrane databases consolidated studies focusing on the effects of strawberry intake on human health. Articles were reviewed considering pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including experimental or observational studies that focused on health outcomes, and utilized whole strawberries or freeze-dried strawberry powder (FDSP), published between 2000–2023. Of the 60 articles included in this review, 47 were clinical trials, while 13 were observational studies. A majority of these studies reported on the influence of strawberry intake on cardiometabolic outcomes. Study designs included those examining the influence of strawberry intake during the postprandial period, short-term trials randomized with a control, or a single arm intake period controlling with a low polyphenolic diet or no strawberry intake. A smaller proportion of studies included in this review examined the influence of strawberry intake on additional outcomes of aging including bone and brain health, and cancer risk. Data support that the inclusion of strawberries into the diet can have positive impacts during the postprandial period, with daily intake improving outcomes of lipid metabolism and inflammation in those at increased cardiovascular risk.

Shenoy, Thripthi Nagesh; Abdul Salam, Abdul Ajees

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2398636pmid: 39257284

Abstract Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. One of its defining features is resistance to apoptosis, driven by aberrant expression of apoptosis-related proteins, notably the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. These proteins enable breast cancer cells to evade apoptosis and develop resistance to chemotherapy, underscoring their critical role as therapeutic targets. Diet plays a significant role in breast cancer risk, potentially escalating or inhibiting cancer development. Recognizing the limitations of current treatments, extensive research is focused on exploring bioactive compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and spices. These compounds are valued for their ability to exert potent anticancer effects with minimal toxicity and side effects. While literature extensively covers the effects of various dietary compounds in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, comprehensive information specifically on how dietary bioactive compounds modulate anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression in breast cancer is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between Bcl-2 proteins and caspases in the regulation of apoptosis, as well as the impact of dietary bioactive compounds on the modulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in breast cancer. It further explores how these interactions influence breast cancer progression and treatment outcomes.

Tang, Cai-die; Cheng, Jun-Hu; Sun, Da-Wen

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2399293pmid: 39279224

Abstract Marine bioactive peptides (MBPs) are a type of natural compound with a variety of bioactivities, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antihypertensive. Due to a wide range of sources, low toxicity, and high specificity, MBPs have now received extensive attention in the fields of food, medicine, and cosmetics. The structure of MBPs determines their biological activities. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the relationship between the structure and bioactivity of MBPs. Because of the advantages of mild conditions, high specificity, safety, and environmental friendliness, enzymatic hydrolysis has become the most commonly used method to produce MBPs. However, the high cost and low yield of enzymatic methods have motivated researchers to search for alternative technologies. Novel pretreatments like ultrasound, microwave, high hydrostatic pressure, and pulsed electric fields have been employed in the production of MBPs. By inducing protein unfolding and increasing enzymatic cleavage sites, these techniques have been demonstrated to accelerate protein hydrolysis and enhance the biological activity of MBPs. This article reviews recent research advances on marine-derived protein hydrolysates and peptides, discusses the relationship between their biological activity and structure, and compares the mechanisms of action of different novel technologies used to promote protein hydrolysis and enhance the biological activity of MBPs. In addition, the current challenges facing the development and application of MBPs are outlined and possible future work in tackling these challenges is also suggested in the current review. It is hoped that this review can promote further development and application of marine active substances.

Yang, Yuling; Lin, Hong; Fu, Xiaoting

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2400233pmid: 39225599

Abstract Pyropia spp. seaweeds are delicious and nutritious red algae widely consumed for a long history. However, due to the non-digestibility of cell wall components by the human intestinal tract, the bioaccessibility of the intracellular bioactive compounds is low. The current industrial processing of Pyropia spp. food by drying and roasting cannot break down the cell wall; however, studies indicate that fermentation of Pyropia spp. by food-derived microorganisms is an efficient processing method to solve this problem. This paper reviews research on the fermentation of Pyropia spp., including the manufacturing process, alterations in chemical composition, flavor properties, bioactivities, and mechanisms. Furthermore, the limitations and opportunities for developing Pyropia spp. fermentation food are explored. Studies demonstrated that key metabolites of fermented Pyropia spp. were degraded polysaccharides, released phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and formed amino acids, which possessed bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-diabetic, lipid metabolism regulation beneficial to human health. The increased bioactivities implied the promoted bioaccessibility of intracellular components. Notably, fermentation positively contributed to the safety of Pyropia spp. food. In conclusion, benefits in nutrition, flavor, bioactivity, and safety suggest that fermentation technology has a promising future for application in Pyropia spp. food industry.

Gregory, Gustavo; Lermen, Fernando Henrique; Echeveste, Márcia Elisa Soares

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2400590pmid: 39257291

Abstract Process design strategies are important to prevent or reduce food safety risks in production systems. In this sense, the Codex Alimentarius presents a set of principles for good hygiene practices to guide food producers. However, studies in food safety often focus on analyzing and controlling implemented production processes without a policy of designing them with a preventive logic, leading to resource misallocation and noncompliance. This study aims to gather and analyze techniques, drivers, challenges, and research opportunities for food safety-driven process design. A systematic literature review was carried out following three steps: (i) Data collection, including 52 studies; (ii) Bibliometric analysis; and (iii) Content analysis, identifying techniques, drivers, challenges, and research opportunities. Three main themes in the subject were identified: process assessment models, risk assessment, and whole-chain traceability. Eleven design techniques were identified and compared according to their typology, structure, and coverage of themes addressed by the Codex Alimentarius. There is a gap in techniques addressing employee competence and personal hygiene. We suggest developing a tool encompassing the Codex Alimentarius good hygiene practices themes in process design to guide food safety-driven process development.

Cara, Kelly C.; Taylor, Salima F.; Alhmly, Haya F.; Wallace, Taylor C.

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2400603pmid: 39235428

Abstract Importance Many individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have insufficient or deficient serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status; however, it is not clear if improved vitamin D nutritional status through higher intake can improve symptom severity and quality of life. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify if changes in vitamin D intake or status affect symptom severity and quality of life in adults with IBS. Data Sources: MEDLINE®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, EMBASE, and Web-of-Science databases were systematically searched for relevant articles to August 12, 2024, in the English language. Study Selection: Clinical trials, prospective observational studies, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses reporting the effect of vitamin D intake or status on IBS-related outcomes were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Article review and data extraction were conducted by 2 authors following the PRISMA guidelines. Random effects meta-analyses and the Nutrition Quality Evaluation Strengthening Tools to assess risk of bias were employed for randomized controlled trials. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): Primary outcomes included measures of serum 25(OH)D status, symptom severity, and quality of life. Results 12 studies from 15 articles were included (n = 7 RCTs; n = 3 single-arm interventions; n = 2 MR). Seven study populations had deficient (<20 ng/mL) and three had insufficient (21–29 ng/mL) baseline serum 25(OH)D status. RCTs measured changes in serum 25(OH)D after 6–26 wks with 3,000 IU daily to 50,000 IU bi-weekly vitamin D dosages. Meta-analyses of low risk-of-bias RCTs revealed increased 25(OH)D levels in groups treated with oral vitamin D compared to placebo (n = 5; Pooled mean difference [95% CI]: 20.33 [12.91, 27.74] ng/mL; I 2 = 97.9%). Quality of life scores improved significantly in deficient populations (n = 3; 3.19 [2.14, 4.24]; I 2 = 0.0%). Non-significant decreased trends in IBS symptom severity were shown across populations (n = 6: −25.89 [-55.26, 3.48]; I 2 = 92.8%). Conclusion Moderate level evidence indicate vitamin D supplementation may improve status in adults with IBS and quality of life in those with deficient status at baseline.

Mouchtaris Michailidis, Thanos; De Saeger, Sarah; Khoueiry, Rita; Odongo, Grace A.; Bader, Yasmine; Dhaenens, Maarten; Herceg, Zdenko; De Boevre, Marthe

doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2414828pmid: 39422902

Abstract Background Mycotoxins, fungal metabolites prevalent in many foods, are recognized for their role in carcinogenesis, especially when interacting with oncogenic viruses. Objectives This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on the human cancer risk associated with mycotoxin exposure and oncogenic virus infections. Methods Searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on the PECOS framework. Data extraction involved narrative and qualitative presentation of findings, with meta-analysis where feasible. Risk of bias and outcome quality were assessed using the OHAT tool and GRADE approach. Results From 25 included studies, 18 focused on aflatoxins and hepatitis viruses in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Four studies examined aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical cancer, while three investigated AFB1 with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in lymphomagenesis. The review highlights a significant synergistic effect between AFB1 and hepatitis B and C viruses in HCC development. Significant interactions between AFB1 and HPV, as well as AFB1 and EBV, were observed, but further research is needed. Conclusions The synergistic impact of mycotoxins and oncogenic viruses is a critical public health concern. Future research, especially prospective cohort studies and investigations into molecular mechanisms, is essential to address this complex issue.