Antidiabetic effects of galactomannans from Adenanthera pavonina L.in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic effect of galactomannans extracted from Adenanthera pavonina's L.seeds(GAP) in streptozotocin(STZ) induced diabetic mice.Methods:The preliminary galactomannan yield from Adenanthera pavonina L.plant and extraction products composition were evaluated.Various chemical characterization methods like thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ~1H and ^(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance, and molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography have been employed to characterize the extracted galactomannan.The mice were divided in four groups: Normal control, diabetic control, GAP(1% and 2%) treated and standard drug treated groups.Diabetic mice received treatment daily for 30 d.Diabetes was induced by STZ at a single dose of 120 mg/kg.Body weight, water and food intake, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured.Histopathological analysis of pancreas and liver were performed to evaluate STZ-induced tissue injuries.Results: The isolated and extracted galactomannan from Adenanthera pavonina was confirmed by various chemical characterization methods.GAP exhibited a 1.46:1 mannose: galactose ratio, and high molar weight.Both GAP enriched food decreased glycaemia, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol.GAP didn't interfere on food intakes or body weight, although it increased water intake.Furthermore, the relative liver weight indicated toxic galactomannan effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in STZ induced diabetes.Conclusions: It is concluded that GAP is a natural product that contains potent galactomannan and is useful in preventing and treating diabetes.

Laccase/caffeic acid-catalyzed crosslinking coupled with galactomannan alters the conformational structure of ovalbumin and alleviates Th2-mediated allergic asthma

Ovalbumin(OVA)is the major allergenic protein that can induce T helper 2(Th2)-allergic reactions,for which current treatment options are inadequate.In this study,we developed a polymerized hypoallergenic OVA product via laccase/caffeic acid(Lac/CA)-catalyzed crosslinking in conjunction with galactomannan(Man).The formation of high molecular weight crosslinked polymers and the Ig G-binding were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)and Western blotting.The study indicated that Lac/CA-catalyzed crosslinking plus Man conjugation substantially altered secondary and tertiary structures of OVA along with the variation in surface hydrophobicity.Gastrointestinal digestion stability assay indicated that crosslinked OVA exhibited less resistance in simulated gastric fluid(SGF)and simulated intestinal fluid(SIF).Mouse model study indicated that Lac-Man/OVA ameliorated eosinophilic airway inflammatory response and efficiently downregulated the expression of Th2-related cytokines(interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,and IL-13),and upregulated IFN-γand IL-10 expression.Stimulation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells with Lac-Man/OVA suppressed the expression of phenotypic maturation markers(CD80 and CD86)and MHC class II molecules,and suppressed the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines.The knowledge obtained in the present study offers an effective way to acquire a hypoallergenic OVA product that can have a therapeutic effect in alleviating OVA-induced allergic asthma.

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis after liver transplantation

Invasive aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection disease,and the risk factors of Invasive aspergillosis after liver transplantation are increasing,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.Invasive Aspergillus has no specific clinical manifestations and occurs most frequently in the lungs.The diagnostic methods for invasive aspergillosis are continuously updated,including serological tests,polymerase chain reaction(PCR),next-generation sequencing,Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,Aspergillus GM lateral flow test,and some new markers under study have made the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis infection more definitive.Voriconazole is the drug of choice for the treatment and prevention of invasive aspergillosis,and immunotherapy may become an adjuvant therapy or monotherapy for invasive aspergillosis with the emergence of more and more resistant strains.This article summarizes the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive aspergillosis after liver transplantation,in order to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Effects of carob-bean gum thickened formulas on infants' reflux and tolerance indices

AIM: To examine the effect of carob-bean gum(CBG) thickened-formulas on reflux and tolerance indices in infants with gastro-esophageal reflux(GER). METHODS: Fifty-six eligible infants(1-6 mo old) were randomly allocated to receive for two weeks a formula with either 0.33 g/100 m L(Formula A) or 0.45 g/100 m L(Formula B) of cold soluble CBG galactomannans respectively, or a formula with 0.45 g/100 m L of hot soluble CBG galactomannans(Formula C). No control group receiving standard formula was included in the study. Data on the following indices were obtained both at baseline and follow-up from all study participants: 24 h esophageal p H monitoring indices, anthropometrical indices(i.e., body weight and length) and tolerance indices(i.e., frequency of colics; type and frequency ofdefecations). From the eligible infants, forty seven were included in an intention-to-treat analysis to examine the effects of the two-week trial on esophageal 24 h p H monitoring, growth and tolerance indices. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to examine the research hypothesis.RESULTS: Regarding changes in 24 h p H monitoring indices, significant decreases from baseline to followup were observed in the "Boix Ochoa Score"(i.e., an index of esophageal acid exposure), in the total number of visible refluxes and in all symptoms related indices due to acid reflux only for infants provided with Formula A, while no significant changes were observed for infants provided with Formulas B and C. In addition, the significant decreases observed in two symptoms related p H monitoring indices(i.e., "Symptom index for reflux" and "Percentage of all reflux") for infants provided with Formula A were also found to differentiate significantly compared to the changes observed in the other two groups(P = 0.048 and P = 0.014 respectively). Concerning changes in anthropometric indices, body weight significantly increased among infants provided with Formulas A and C, but not for infants provided with Formula B. As far as tolerance indices were concerned, the numbers of total and diarrheic defecations increased significantly only in infants provided with Formula B and these changes were significantly higher compared to the decreases observed in infants fed with Formulas A and C(P = 0.003 and P = 0.015 respectively. Lastly the number of colics significantly decreased in all infants, irrespective of the tested formula. CONCLUSION: Formula A(i.e., 0.33 g/100 m L of cold galactomannans) was effective in reducing certain p Hmonitoring indices of uncomplicated GER, increased body weight and was well-tolerated by infants.

Discovery of Unusual Highly Branched Galactomannan from Seeds of <i>Desmanthus illinoensis</i>

A galactomannan was isolated from seeds of a leguminous plant, Desmanthus illinoensis, which is grown in Okinawa, Japan. D-Galactose (molar ratio, 1.0) and D-mannose (0.82) were identified via High-performance Anion Exchange Chromatography Coupled with a Pulse Amperometric Detector. The molecular mass and specific rotation were estimated to be 1000 kDa and +53.8&deg;, respectively. The infrared spectrum indicated that the galactomannan was involved in both α- and β-linkages, and two types of α-linkages were detected at 814 and 830 cm-1. The 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra indicated that the majority of the β-D-mannan main chain was substituted with mono α-D-galactose or α-D-galacto-disaccharide-side chains. Methylation analysis was used to identify 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl-D-galactose (molar ratio, 3.3), 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl- D-galactose (1.0) and 2,3-di-O-methyl-D-mannose (3.1). Specifically, unique 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl D-galactose residue was identified from mass spectrum. The results suggested that the galactomannan was 1,4-linked-β-D-mannan substituted with α-D-galactose or 1,6-linked-α-D-galacto-disaccharide side chains at C-6 on the main chain. The galactomannan isolated from D. illinoensis was an unusual highly branched polysaccharide, and its chemical structure was proposed. This work is the first to report on the galactomannan involving 1,6-linked α-D-galacto-disaccharide side chains in addition to α-D-galactose mono side chains.

The Effect Analysis of Different Experimental Methods for the Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Rat Model

Background: Consensus on the most reliable assays to detect invasive aspergillosis from minimally or noninvasive samples has not been reached. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for galactomannan (GM) detection and quantitative real-time PCR assay (qRT-PCR) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a rat model. Methods: Neutropenic, male Sprague-Dawley rats (specific pathogen free;8 weeks old;weight, 200 ± 20 g) were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and infected with Aspergillus fumigatus intratracheally. Tissue and whole blood samples were harvested on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-infection and examined with GM ELISA and qRT-PCR. Results: On day 7, A. fumigatus DNA was amplified from 14 of 48 whole blood samples from immunosuppressed infected rats: day 1 (0/12), day 3 (0/12), day 5 (6/12), day 7 (8/12) post infection. The sensitivity and specificity of the qRT-PCR assay were 29.2% and 100%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis indicated a Ct cut-off value of 15.35, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.627. The GM assay detected antigen in sera obtained on day 1 (5/12), day 3 (9/12), day 5 (12/12), and day 7 (12/12) post-infection, and thus had a sensitivity of 79.2% and a specificity of 100%. The ROC of the GM assay indicated that the optimal cut-off value was 1.40 (specificity, 100%;AUC, 0.919). Conclusions: The GM assay was more sensitive than qRT-PCR assay in diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in rats.

Synthesis and Characterization of Crosslinked Hydrogel of Konkoli (Maesopsis eminii) Grafted Polymethylacrylamide for a Preliminary Study as an Insulin Delivery System

Polysaccharide has lately received a significant attention in the formulation of drug delivery system based on the abundant availability, non-toxicity and the various ways its nature, structure and functionality can be modified. In this preliminary work on Konkoli (Maesopsis eminii) galactomannan (KG), it was modified by grafting with methacrylamide (MAAm) using ammonium persulphate (ASP) as initiator. The grafted galactomannan was then crosslinked using N, N-methylenebisacrylamide (N, N-MBAAm) to produce the hydrogel called konkoli grafted polymethylacrylamide (KG-g-poly (MAAm)). FTIR analyses confirm crosslinking and other changes in the functionality of KG-g-poly (MAAm) compared to KG. Swelling properties which are fundamental to the potential properties of any hydrogel as a drug delivery system were studied for KG-g-poly (MAAm) with varied amount of monomer (MAAm), crosslinker and pH with respect to time and temperature. There was a rapid rise followed by a dramatic fall in the swelling capacity with increase in both monomer and crosslinker concentration. The swelling capacity of KG-g-poly (MAAm) also improves as the pH of the medium was changed from acidic to alkaline. Generally, the swelling capacity of KG-g-poly (MAAm) increases with time and temperature of immersion. This result therefore encourages further studies as it presents KG-g-poly (MAAm) potentials in such application as insulin delivery system.

Convergent synthesis and immunological study of oligosaccharide derivatives related to galactomannan from Antrodia cinnamomea

The galactomannan from Antrodia cinnamomea(AC)is characterized as one of the important bioactive components that exhibits potential immunostimulatory propriety.The biological function of its corresponding oligosaccharide fragments has not been revealed yet.In this study,we reported the first chemical synthesis of the series of oligosaccharide fragments related to AC galactomannan via the convergent glycosylation strategy.The preliminary immunological evaluation of these synthesized AC oligosaccharides disclosed that the backbone tetrasaccharide 1d showed the best immunomodulatory ability on enhancing proliferation,phagocytosis and cytokines secretion of Raw264.7 macrophages in vitro,indicating its immense potential as an immunostimulant candidate.

Coffee cell walls-composition,influence on cup quality and opportunities for coffee improvements

The coffee beverage is the second most consumed drink worldwide after water.In coffee beans,cell wall storage polysaccharides(CWSPs)represent around 50 per cent of the seed dry mass,mainly consisting of galactomannans and arabinogalactans.These highly abundant structural components largely influence the organoleptic properties of the coffee beverage,mainly due to the complex changes they undergo during the roasting process.From a nutritional point of view,coffee CWSPs are soluble dietary fibers shown to provide numerous health benefits in reducing the risk of human diseases.Due to their influence on coffee quality and their health-promoting benefits,CWSPs have been attracting significant research attention.The importance of cell walls to the coffee industry is not restricted to beans used for beverage production,as several coffee by-products also present high concentrations of cell wall components.These by-products include cherry husks,cherry pulps,parchment skin,silver skin,and spent coffee grounds,which are currently used or have the potential to be utilized either as food ingredients or additives,or for the generation of downstream products such as enzymes,pharmaceuticals,and bioethanol.In addition to their functions during plant development,cell walls also play a role in the plant's resistance to stresses.Here,we review several aspects of coffee cell walls,including chemical composition,biosynthesis,their function in coffee’s responses to stresses,and their influence on coffee quality.We also propose some potential cell wall-related biotechnological strategies envisaged for coffee improvements.

Prognostic value of serum galactomannan index in critically ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Background Critically ill chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） patients admitted to an intensive care unit （ICU） due to respiratory failure are at particularly high risk of Aspergillus infection.The serum galactomannan index （GMI） has proven to be one of the prognostic criteria for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis （IPA） in classical immunocompromised patients.However,the prognostic value of serum GMI in critically ill COPD patients needs evaluation.The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of serum GMI in patients with severe COPD.Methods In this single-center prospective cohort study,serum samples for GMI assay were collected twice a week from the first day of ICU admission to the day of the patients＇ discharge or death.Patients were divided into two groups according to their clinical outcome on the 28th day of their ICU admission.Univariate analysis and survival analysis were tested in these two groups.Results One hundred and fifty-three critically ill COPD patients were included and were divided into survival group （106 cases） and non-survival group （47 cases） according to their outcome.Univariate analysis showed that the highest GMI level during the first week after admission （GMI-high 1st week） was statistically different between the two groups.Independent prognostic factors for poor outcome in severe COPD patients were：GMI-high 1st week ＞0.5 （RR：4.04,95％ CI：2.17-7.51） combined with accumulative dosage of corticosteroids ＞216 mg before the RICU admission （RR：2.25,95％ CI：1.11-4.56） and clearance of creatinine （Ccr） ＜64.31 ml/min （RR：2.48,95％ CI：1.22-5.07）.Conclusions The positive GMI-high 1st week （＞0.5） combined with an accumulative dosage of corticosteroids ＞216 mg before the ICU admission and a low Ccr may predicate a poor outcome of critically ill COPD patients.

Advancements in non-starch polysaccharides research for frozen foods and microencapsulation of probiotics

Conventionally used in the food industry as stabilizing,thickening,gelling,and suspending or dispersing agents,non-starch polysaccharides such as xanthan gum are known to improve the texture of certain frozen products.Another polysaccharide that has received significant attention in recent years is chitosan,a natural biopolymer derived from chitin.In the wake of growing interest in finding ideal encapsulating agents for probiotics,non-starch polysaccharides have been investigated.Scattered research can be found on the effect of each individual polysaccharide,but there remains a void in the literature in terms of closely comparing the characteristics of nonstarch polysaccharides for these applications,especially when more than one biopolymer is employed.A good understanding of the tools capable of elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved is essential in ushering further development of their applications.Therefore,it is this review’s intention to focus on the selection criteria of non-starch polysaccharides based on their rheological properties,resistance to harsh conditions,and ability to improve sensory quality.A variety of critical tools is also carefully examined with respect to the attainable information crucial to frozen food and microencapsulation applications.

Existing tests vs. novel non-invasive assays for detection of invasive aspergillosis in patients with respiratory diseases

Background: Although existing mycological tests (bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] galactomannan [GM], serum GM, serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan [BDG], and fungal culture) are widely used for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-hematological patients with respiratory diseases, their clinical utility in this large population is actually unclear. We aimed to resolve this clinical uncertainty by evaluating the diagnostic accuracy and utility of existing tests and explore the efficacy of novel sputum-basedAspergillus assays.Methods: Existing tests were assessed in a prospective and consecutive cohort of patients with respiratory diseases in West China Hospital between 2016 and 2019 while novel sputum assays (especially sputum GM andAspergillus-specific lateral-flow device [LFD]) in a case-controlled subcohort. IPA was defined according to the modified European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were computed for each test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.Results: The entire cohort included 3530 admissions (proven/probable IPA=66, no IPA=3464) and the subcohort included 127 admissions (proven/probable IPA=38, no IPA=89). Sensitivity of BAL GM (≥1.0 optical density index [ODI]: 86% [24/28]) was substantially higher than that of serum GM (≥0.5 ODI: 38% [39/102]) (χ^(2)=19.83,P<0.001), serum BDG (≥70 pg/mL: 33% [31/95]) (χ^(2)=24.65,P<0.001), and fungal culture (33% [84/253]) (χ^(2)=29.38,P<0.001). Specificity varied between BAL GM (≥1.0 ODI: 94% [377/402]), serum GM (≥0.5 ODI: 95% [2130/2248]), BDG (89% [1878/2106]), and culture (98% [4936/5055]). Sputum GM (≥2.0 ODI) had similar sensitivity (84% [32/38]) (Fisher’s exactP=1.000) to and slightly lower specificity (87% [77/89]) (χ^(2)=5.52,P=0.019) than BAL GM (≥1.0 ODI). Area under the ROC curve values were comparable between sputum GM (0.883 [0.812-0.953]) and BAL GM (0.901 [0.824-0.977]) (P=0.734). Sputum LFD had similar specificity (91% [81/89]) (χ^(2)=0.89,P=0.345) to and lower sensitivity (63% [24/38]) (χ^(2)=4.14,P=0.042) than BAL GM (≥1.0 ODI), but significantly higher sensitivity than serum GM (≥0.5 ODI) (χ^(2)=6.95,P=0.008), BDG (χ^(2)=10.43,P=0.001), and fungal culture (χ^(2)=12.70,P<0.001).Conclusions: Serum GM, serum BDG, and fungal culture lack sufficient sensitivity for diagnosing IPA in respiratory patients. Sputum GM and LFD assays hold promise as rapid, sensitive, and non-invasive alternatives to the BAL GM test.

The Diagnostic performance of galactomannan detection for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in non-nentropenic hosts

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of galactomannan(GM)detection in serum and BALF for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis(IPA)in non-neutropenic hosts.Methods A prospective study was performed for 1 356 non-neutropenic hosts admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of