Current
Nutrition & Food Science
ISSN: 1573-4013
Current Nutrition & Food
Science
Volume 4, Number 3, August 2008
Contents
Editorial Pp. 154
Computational Biological Analysis Reveals a Role for
Nitric Oxide Synthase and Adiponectin in the Pathobiology
of Insulin Resistance Syndrome and Coronary Artery Disease
Pp. 155-157
Allam Appa Rao, Kopparthi V.V. Satyanarayana, G. Lavanya
and Undurti N. Das
[Abstract]
Infant Breast-Feeding and Suppression of Biomarkers
of Future Cardiovascular Disease Pp. 158-160
Mike Lyon and Undurti N. Das
[Abstract]
Dietary Manipulation of Precursor Polyunsaturated
Fatty Acid Modulates Eicosanoid and Endocannabinoid Synthesis:
A Potential Tool to Control Tumor Development Pp.
161-175
M.E. Pasqualini, M.A. Berra, M.P. Yurawecz, G. Repossi
and A.R. Eynard
[Abstract]
Prediction of Butyrylcholinesterase Function Through Domain
Analysis and Protein-Protein Interaction Pp. 176-184
Allam Appa Rao, Kudipudi Srinivas, R. Rajender and Undurti
N. Das
[Abstract]
Urinary Tract Tumors, Biology and Risk for Artificial
Sweeteners Use with Particular Emphasis on some South American
Countries Pp. 185-195
M.M. Andreatta, A. Navarro and A.R. Eynard
[Abstract]
Researches of Fractional Composition of Protein
of Amaranth Pp. 196-205
Sergey I. Kadoshnikov, Irina G. Kadoshnikova,
Yuri A. Kulikov and Danik M. Martirosyan
[Abstract]
Differential Expression of Genes in Obesity and
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pp. 206-208
Allam Appa Rao
[Abstract]
Analysis of Phenolic Acids in Propolis Using
the High Performance Liquid Chromatography Technique
Pp. 209-212
Kristina Ramanauskiene, Arunas Savickas, Liudas Ivanauskas,
Zenona Kalveniene, Giedre Kasparaviciene, Inga Banionyte,
Algirdas Amšiejus and Danik M. Martirosyan
[Abstract]
Enhanced Butyrylcholinesterase Activity may
be the Common Link in Triggering Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation
and Decrease in Cognitive Function in Diabetes Pp.
213-216
Mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease Allam A. Rao, C.
Siva Reddy, G. R. Sridhar, A. Annapurna, T. Hanuman, M. Prameela,
K. Suresh, S. Prasannalaxmi and Undurti N. Das
[Abstract]
Albumin Infusion Therapy in Stroke, Sepsis and
the Critically Ill Pp. 217-226
Undurti N. Das
[Abstract]
Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Disease Pp.
227-230
Vijaya Juturu
[Abstract]
Abstracts
[Back to top]
Editorial
Current Nutrition and Food Science (CNF) has now achieved
considerable visibility in the scientific circles. It is clear
that this success is due to the quality of papers that are
being published by reputed scientists from all over the world.
From time to time, CNF encourages publication of special issues
devoted to a particular theme or topics that could be of interest
to scientists, clinicians, nutritionists, biochemists, food
technologists, and others. The idea of such special issues
is to bring to the attention of scientific community some
of the advances made in a particular area or topic in which
CNF has an interest. In the present issue, we assembled some
very interesting articles in the area of natural products,
bioinformatics with particular emphasis on common clinical
conditions, and cancer.
The authors have done a marvelous job in presenting their
work emphasizing the practical application value of their
work. Even though the topics covered in this issue appear
to be wide, it is clear that all papers are related to human
disease(s). For instance, the short and preliminary work on
breast feeding and its relationship to plasma lipid levels
and inflammatory markers suggests that adequate breast feeding
in childhood extends its benefits beyond early life at least
till adolescence. The reviews by Prof. Aldo R. Eynard and
his colleagues bring to our attention how artificial sweeteners
could be related to urinary bladder cancer and the role of
polyunsaturated fatty acids in cancer. On the other hand,
Danik Martirosyan and colleagues discuss in their first paper
the protein content of amaranth, a very useful seed and oil
that has immense nutritional value, whereas in the second
paper they described the method of analysis for phenolic acids
in Lithuanian Propolis using HPLC, a useful method that could
be useful in future to standardize the protein composition
of this material that has commercial value. Allam Appa Rao
and his colleagues describe how bioinformatics approach could
be used to analyze the involvement various biological molecules
in some important clinical conditions. Thus, in this issue,
I tried to assemble authors from various diverse fields to
give a glimpse of the advances in their respective fields
that are of relevance to the field of nutrition and human
diseases.
I trust that you will enjoy reading these articles. If you
have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact
me at Undurti@hotmail.com
and I will be happy to answer or respond to them to the best
of my ability.
Undurti N. Das, MD, FAMS
UND Life Sciences
13800 Fairhill Road
#321, Shaker Heights
OH 44120
USA
E-mail:
undurti@hotmail.com
[Back to top]
Computational Biological Analysis Reveals a Role for Nitric
Oxide Synthase and Adiponectin in the Pathobiology of Insulin
Resistance Syndrome and Coronary Artery Disease
Allam Appa Rao, Kopparthi V.V. Satyanarayana, G. Lavanya
and Undurti N. Das
Insulin resistance syndrome is a major risk factor for
atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CAD). Endothelial
dysfunction due to reduced nitric oxide generation is seen
in both insulin resistance syndrome and CAD. Endothelial dysfunction
also occurs in obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other cardiovascular
diseases. In the present study, we employed multiple sequence
alignment using Clustal W tool and constructed a phylogenetic
tree using functional protein sequences extracted from NCBI
and Gene cards. These studies showed that nitric oxide synthase
and adiponectin play a major role in insulin resistance and
coronary artery disease. This and other studies suggest that
endothelial dysfunction is an early event in insulin resistance
syndrome.
[Back to top]
Infant Breast-Feeding and Suppression of Biomarkers of Future
Cardiovascular Disease
Mike Lyon and Undurti N. Das
A significant suppression of lipid and inflammatory biomarkers
in breast-fed subjects was noted suggesting a long-term protective
effect of breast-milk on future heart disease.
[Back to top]
Dietary Manipulation of Precursor Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Modulates Eicosanoid and Endocannabinoid Synthesis: A Potential
Tool to Control Tumor Development
M.E. Pasqualini, M.A. Berra, M.P. Yurawecz, G. Repossi
and A.R. Eynard
The amount and type of dietary fats represent risk factors
for several cancers. Essential PUFAs serve as precursors of
several biologically active molecules, mainly endocannabinoids
and eicosanoids, which participate in tumorigenic processes.
However, their mechanisms still remain unclear. This article
reviews the current knowledge and experimental results on
the effects of dietary manipulation of n-3, n-6 essential
fatty acids (EFA) including the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA),
on eicosanoid and endocannabinoid production, and their correlation
with cancer development. The oxidative pathways of Arachidonic
acid (AA) when it is released from phospholipids as Lipoxygenases
(LOXs), cyclooxygenases (COX) and Cytochrome P-450s (CYP450)
to eicosanoids, and the non-oxidative pathway to endocannabinoid
synthesis are summarized. COXs, LOXs, and CYP 450s, endocannabinoids,
thereby generating oxygenated products that resemble eicosanoids
with the slight difference that endocannabinoid-derived products
retain amide or ester functionalities at C1. Competition between
n–3 and n–6 FA families gives rise to a variation
in the ratio of the eicosanoid products, but the significance
of these changes are as yet poorly understood. Finally, we
propose that the apparently contradictory results in the field
of eicosanoids, endocannabionids and cancer should be considered
due to difficulties arising from the lack of nutritional evaluation.
[Back to top]
Prediction of Butyrylcholinesterase Function Through Domain
Analysis and Protein-Protein Interaction
Allam Appa Rao, Kudipudi Srinivas, R. Rajender and Undurti
N. Das
The prediction of functions of proteins in living organisms
can be made based on its domain analysis, protein-protein
interactions, sequence comparisons, structure comparisons,
and phylogenetic tree analysis. Domain analysis and protein-protein
interactions are important tools of bioinformatics based on
which annotation of conserved domain footprints on protein
sequences can be ascertained which could serve as the first
step towards characterizing protein function(s) in silicon.
In the present investigation, the functionality of butyrylcholinesterase
(BChE) was ascertained by employing domain analysis and protein-protein
interaction(s) tools. We collected the sequence of BChE, established
the domains of this protein using NCBI conserved domain database
(CDD), and identified proteins that interact with it (BChE).
Using this data, we identified proteins with similar domain,
proteins with which it interacted, and annotated the function
of BChE via sequence similarity. These studies revealed that
BChE interacts with proteins: ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme,
apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor, paraoxonase/arylesterase,
pyruvate dehydrogenase protein X component, proteasome activator
complex subunit 3, 4-trimethyl-aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase,
and vacuolar proton translocating ATPase whose functions are
known. Based on this information, it is predicted that BChE
may have actions similar to those with which it interacts.
Thus, by using domain analysis and protein-protein interaction(s)
tools it may be possible to identify the functions of proteins
whose action is unknown by annotating the conserved domain
amino acid sequence of proteins whose function is known with
those of the unknown.
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Urinary Tract Tumors, Biology and Risk for Artificial
Sweeteners Use with Particular Emphasis on some South American
Countries
M.M. Andreatta, A. Navarro and A.R. Eynard
Bladder tumors predominantly occur in high-income
countries. However, South America deserves particular attention
since is it is made up of countries with striking differences
in their GNP per capita, representing a “chessboard”
field for the study of tumor risk related to the environment.
In recent times, a so-called “healthy” culture
has emerged with people beginning to be conscious of the effects
of food and nutrition on well-being and the risk of disease
linked to being overweight. As a result of the so-called “healthy”
culture, many people have substituted sugar for different
types of Artificial Sweeteners (AS) which also have lower
costs of production and commercialization. This article reviews
and critically discusses the current literature regarding
the correlations between AS and Urinary Tract Tumors worldwide,
particularly taking into account recent data of case-control
studies in South America, an area having distinctive dietary
habits and food culture.
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Researches of Fractional Composition of Protein of Amaranth
Sergey I. Kadoshnikov, Irina G. Kadoshnikova,
Yuri A. Kulikov and Danik M. Martirosyan
It is widely known that Amaranth is a highly nutritious
plant, and contains all the essential amino acids. It provides
an amazing amount of magnesium, calcium and dietary fiber
for general health. The literature provides that there are
numerous citations about the quality and composition of amaranth
seeds, but not much information about amaranth protein in
the green mass. Furthermore, amaranth’s green mass has
a fast and high yield, making it a great source of protein.
For this reason, the protein amount, as well as fractional
composition in different kind of amaranth, was investigated.
It was revealed that amaranth differs in its content of protein,
with its maximal accumulation in the blossoming phase (17.2-32.6%
from dry weight for various samples), within various species.
It was confirmed that in the ontogenesis of amaranth, the
share of albumins and globulins is reduced while the share
of glutelins and gliadins is increased. A low content of reserved
proteins in the seeds of amaranth (42% from the sum of protein)
in comparison with wheat and other cereals has been observed.
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Differential Expression of Genes in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus
Allam Appa Rao
Both obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common.
In a gene expression profile study, it was noted that genes
concerned with carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism,
and signal transduction pathways are upregulated, while genes
involved in cell adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,
insulin signaling, immune system pathways, and inflammatory
pathway are differentially expressed both in obesity and type
2 diabetes.
[Back to top]
Analysis of Phenolic Acids in Propolis Using the High-Performance
Liquid Chromatography Technique
Kristina Ramanauskiene, Arunas Savickas, Liudas Ivanauskas,
Zenona Kalveniene, Giedre Kasparaviciene, Inga Banionyte,
Algirdas Amšiejus and Danik M. Martirosyan
The aim of the research was to analyze the chemical composition
of Lithuanian propolis and to compare it with the chemical
composition of propolis in neighboring countries (Latvia and
Poland) according to the predominant flora in the collecting
places and the quality of raw material collecting process.
The article describes the qualitative analysis of phenolic
acids in propolis using the high-performance liquid chromatography
technique. Studies showed that the quantitative and qualitative
composition of phenolic acids in propolis depended on what
plants the bees in the area collected substances for the raw
material of propolis. In addition to that, it was found that
the amount of active substances was higher in propolis extracts
produced from propolis collected from areas characterized
by the predominance of deciduous trees. The predominant phenolic
acids were determined to be ferulic and coumaric acids that
may be among the main indicators of quality in the standardization
of the raw material and preparations of propolis. Experimental
studies showed that the process of the collection of propolis
influence its chemical composition too. The production of
pharmaceutical preparations requires the regulation of the
technique and the conditions of the collection of propolis,
ensuring high quality of the collection of the raw material.
[Back to top]
Enhanced Butyrylcholinesterase Activity may be the Common
Link in Triggering Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and Decrease
in Cognitive Function in Diabetes
Mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease Allam A. Rao, C.
Siva Reddy, G. R. Sridhar, A. Annapurna, T. Hanuman, M. Prameela,
K. Suresh, S. Prasannalaxmi and Undurti N. Das
There is increasing evidence that diabetes mellitus and
Alzheimer’s disease occur more often than by chance.
Recently, we proposed that increase in the activity of the
enzyme butyrylcholinesterase could be a common link between
these two conditions. Acetylcholine is an anti-inflammatory
molecule. Butyrylcholinesterase by inactivating acetylcholine
may enhance inflammation and induce decline in cognitive function.
In the present study, it was noted that streptozotocin-induced
diabetic animals showed dyslipidemia, increase in plasma lipid
peroxides, decrease in circulating plasma superoxide dismutase
activity, decline in cognitive function as assessed by the
Morris water maze method, and a significant increase in serum
butyrylcholinesterase activity. These results suggest that
increased plasma and, possibly, tissue concentrations of butyrylcholinesterase
lead to decrease in acetylcholine levels, an anti-inflammatory
molecule, which may trigger low-grade systemic inflammation
in diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease that could
account for decline in cognitive function.
[Back to top]
Albumin Infusion Therapy in Stroke, Sepsis and
the Critically Ill
Undurti N. Das
Albumin is a complex molecule that is a principal transporter
of plasma fatty acids and binds to majority of the drugs ingested.
Albumin traps oxygen radicals and has anti-oxidant actions
that exceed that of vitamin E. Vascular endothelial cells
express specific binding sites for albumin that may aid in
its ability to prevent endothelial cell apoptosis. Albumin
regulates the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase in astrocytes
and thus helps in the flux of glucose and lactate. Thus, albumin
could limit ischemia-induced neuronal damage. Recent studies
showed that intravenous albumin administration improved neurological
function by reducing infarction volume and cerebral edema.
In addition, albumin seems to be useful in the treatment of
in those who are critically ill due to due to medical and
surgical conditions, and sepsis. The cytoprotective action
of albumin is due to an increase in the formation of protectins
from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and possibly, other polyunsaturated
fatty acids.
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Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Disease
Vijaya Juturu
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound containing
antioxidant property found in red wine, grapes, berries and
peanuts. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that
trans-resveratrol is more effective in reducing platelet aggregation,
improving endothelial function, inhibiting LDL oxidation and
have antiatherogenic properties. However, clinical studies
were not conducted nor reported on any beneficial effects
on CHD in humans. Resveratrol supplements are available in
U.S. markets and they may contain anywhere from 10-50 mg of
resveratrol, but the effective doses for chronic disease prevention
in humans are not known.
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