Molecular Approaches to Genetically Improve the Accumulation of Health-Promoting Secondary Metabolites in Staple Crops—A Case Study: The Lipoxygenase-B1 Genes and Regulation of the Carotenoid Content in Pasta Products

Plant cells and tissue cultures hold great promise for controlled production of a myriad of useful secondary metabolites on demand. The current yield and productivity cannot fulfill the commercial goal of a plant cell-based bioprocess for the production of most secondary metabolites. In order to stretch the boundary, recent advances, new directions and opportunities in plant cell-based bioprocessing, have been critically examined for the 10 years from 1992 to 2002. A review of the literature indicated that most of the R&D work was devoted predominantly to studies at an empirical level. A rational approach to molecular plant cell bioprocessing based on the fundamental understanding of metabolic pathways and their regulations is urgently required to stimulate further advances; however, the strategies and technical framework are still being developed. It is the aim of this review to take a step forward in framing workable strategies and technologies for molecular plant cell-based bioprocessing. Using anthocyanin biosynthesis as a case study, an integrated postgenomic approach has been proposed. This combines the functional analysis of metabolic pathways for biosynthesis of a particular metabolite from profiling of gene expression and protein expression to metabolic profiling. A global correlation not only can thus be established at the three molecular levels, but also places emphasis on the interactions between primary metabolism and secondary metabolism; between competing and/or complimentary pathways; and between biosynthetic and post-biosynthetic events.

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Influence of stress conditions on the quality of obtained sprouts – modification of their chemical composition

Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods ◽

10.15586/qas.v13i2.836 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Magdalena Zielińska-Dawidziak

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Metal Ions ◽

Nutritional Quality ◽

Growth Conditions ◽

Stress Conditions ◽

Light Illumination ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Chemical Factors

Sprouts are generally accepted as a pro-healthy food. They are consumed as a source of valuable macronutrients, antioxidants, microelements, and vitamins. Changing growth conditions of sprouts enables modification of their nutritional quality, as well as their safety. Thus, in order to achieve the most desirable composition of the produced sprouts, the conditions for their production are optimized. The aim of this review is to present methods currently used to modify the nutritional quality of plant sprouts. Most scientific works focus on stress conditions inducing the synthesis of secondary metabolites, mainly antioxidants. An increase in their content is achieved after application of physical (e.g., light illumination, temperature) or chemical factors (e.g., salinity stress, phytohormones, metal ions, etc). Though the application of these modifications on a larger scale is problematic. These problems include difficulties in predicting the effect of the stressor and an increased price of the obtained sprouts. However, since it is possible to enrich sprouts with valuable health-promoting substances, these methods are still considered very promising.

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Mushroom Biomass: Some Clinical Implications of β-Glucans and Enzymes

Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal ◽

10.12944/crnfsj.4.special-issue-october.06 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (Special-Issue-October) ◽

pp. 37-47

Author(s):

Ana Barros ◽

Vitoria Bell ◽

Jorge Ferrão ◽

Vittorio Calabrese ◽

Tito Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Biological Response ◽

Cellular Growth ◽

Health Promoting ◽

The Rich ◽

The Difference ◽

Cytochrome P 450

Mushrooms have attracted market attention because they are a potential source of bioactive compounds able to perform several functions in organisms with benefits for the health of the consumer. Cultivation processes vary according a) industrial fermentation - in large vats to produce extracted form of mushrooms or b) closed cultivation system - individually grown in jars on an aseptic “substrate” with controlled lighting and irrigation to produce a biomass form of mushrooms. Biomass is the mycelium with primordia (young fruiting body - before the mushroom blooms) containing all the nutrients and active compounds, including β-glucans, enzymes and secondary metabolites. The classification of mushroom biomass varies according to the presentation; the biomass can be classified as a “food” if in powder form or, classified as a “dietary supplement” in tablet form. While tablet mushroom biomass is considered a dietary supplement, mushroom extracts are designated pharmaceutical compounds, pharmanutrients or nutraceuticals. Here we illustrate the difference between mushrooms in the biomass and extract forms, the similarities and differences on its content on enzymes, secondary metabolites and on β-glucans, as a soluble and fermentable fibre. Of particular note is the rich enzyme activity in the biomass form of mushrooms. Such activity includes enzymes that prevent oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase), enzymes that prevent cellular growth (protease, glucoamylase) and enzymes that promote detoxification (cytochrome P-450, peroxidase, glucose-2-oxidase). β-glucans have been proposed to act as “biological response modifiers” based on their effects on the immune system, and its role in the prevention and treatment of various metabolic syndrome-linked diseases. This review focuses also on some described health-promoting potential of mushroom biomass, all through immunomodulation. The role of intestinal microbiota is enhanced.

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In vitro Production of Secondary Metabolites Using Elicitor in Catharanthus roseus: A Case Study

Crop Improvement ◽

10.1007/978-1-4614-7028-1_14 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 401-419 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zahid Hameed Siddiqui ◽

Abdul Mujib ◽

Mahmooduzzafar ◽

Junaid Aslam ◽

Khalid Rehman Hakeem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Catharanthus Roseus ◽

In Vitro Production ◽

Vitro Production

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How Pre-Harvest Inactivated Yeast Treatment May Influence the Norisoprenoid Aroma Potential in Wine Grapes

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10103369 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 3369

Author(s):

Pasquale Crupi ◽

Marika Santamaria ◽

Fernando Vallejo ◽

Francisco A. Tomás-Barberán ◽

Gianvito Masi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Principal Components ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Carotenoid Content ◽

Wine Grapes ◽

Wine Production ◽

Italian Wine ◽

Components Analysis ◽

The Difference ◽

Β Carotene

Carotenoids are important secondary metabolites in wine grapes and play a key role as potential precursors of aroma compounds (i.e., C13-norisoprenoids), which have a high sensorial impact in wines. There is scarce information about the influence of pre-harvest inactivated yeast treatment on the norisoprenoid aroma potential of grapes. Thus, this work aimed to study the effect of the foliar application of yeast extracts (YE) to Negro Amaro and Primitivo grapevines on the carotenoid content during grape ripening and the difference between the resulting véraison and maturity (ΔC). The results showed that β-carotene and (allE)-lutein were the most abundant carotenoids in all samples, ranging from 60% to 70% of total compounds. Their levels, as well as those of violaxanthin, (9′Z)-neoxanthin, and 5,6-epoxylutein, decreased during ripening. This was especially observed in treated grapes, with ΔC values from 2.6 to 4.2-fold higher than in untreated grapes. Besides this, a principal components analysis (PCA) demonstrated that lutein, β-carotene, and violaxanthin and (9′Z)-neoxanthin derivatives principally characterized Negro Amaro and Primitivo, respectively. Thereby, the YE treatment has proved to be effective in improving the C13-norisoprenoid aroma potentiality of Negro Amaro and Primitivo, which are fundamental cultivars in the context of Italian wine production.

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Establishing and implementing a health promoting school in rural Cambodia

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/day114 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. e11-e20 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kristiann C Heesch ◽

Erika Hepple ◽

Kaeleen Dingle ◽

Natasha Freeman

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Non Profit ◽

International Partnerships ◽

Local Leadership ◽

Rural Village ◽

Health Promoting Schools ◽

Health Promoting School ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Health Programming

Summary Few studies have used a whole-of-school approach in implementing a health promoting schools (HPS) framework. Descriptions of how HPS is being implemented, particularly in low-resourced, developing countries, are limited. This study used an exploratory case study design to examine the planning and implementation of a HPS in a rural Cambodian village. Data were collected via observations of the school, school documentation, and interviews with stakeholders (n = 9). The data were analysed inductively as an iterative process, from initial coding, through to categorizing, leading to concept mapping and then identifying the emergent themes within the stages of school development and implementation of educational and health programming. The case study demonstrated how all six components of the HPS framework can be used to plan and implement a school in a rural village in a developing country. The key elements of implementation were building local and international partnerships, local leadership, and a culture of change and participation. These elements were used to establish a non-profit school that aimed to address the stated health and educational needs of local villagers. This case study adds to the limited evidence on the HPS components and implementation methods that are being applied in low-resourced, developing countries.

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Effects of selected agronomical factors on the content of health-promoting compounds in spaghetti squash (Cucurbita pepo L. subsp. pepo)

Folia Horticulturae ◽

10.2478/v10245-012-0004-2 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 33-39

Author(s):

Wanda Wadas ◽

Halina Mioduszewska ◽

Krzysztof Kalinowski

Keyword(s):

Ascorbic Acid ◽

Cucurbita Pepo ◽

Sowing Date ◽

Carotenoid Content ◽

Plant Spacing ◽

Total Carotenoid ◽

Total Carotenoids ◽

Total Carotenoid Content ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Β Carotene

Effects of selected agronomical factors on the content of health-promoting compounds in spaghetti squash (Cucurbita pepoL. subsp.pepo)The study examined the effects of the sowing date (5, 15 and 25 May) and plant spacing (1 × 0.6 m, 1 × 0.8 m and 1 × 1 m) on the content of carotenoids and L-ascorbic acid in the fruits of two cultivars of spaghetti squash (‘Makaronowa Warszawska' and ‘Pyza’). The field experiment was carried out in central-eastern Poland. Fully mature spaghetti squash fruits were harvested from the beginning of September to the beginning of October. The content of total carotenoids and β-carotene was the greatest in the fruits of plants sown on 15 May. The sowing date did not affect the content of L-ascorbic acid. Increasing the plant spacing from 1 × 0.6 m to 1 × 1 m resulted in an increase of total carotenoid content, particularly for the spaghetti squash sown on 25 May. Plant spacing did not have a significant effect on the content of β-carotene and L-ascorbic acid. Fruits of the ‘Makaronowa Warszawska’ with light orange flesh contained more total carotenoids and β-carotene than fruits of the ‘Pyza’ with cream-coloured flesh. The content of L-ascorbic acid in the fruits of both cultivars did not differ significantly.

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Small Successes Make Big Wins: A Retrospective Case Study towards Community Engagement of Low-SES Families

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17020612 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 612 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lotte Prevo ◽

Stef Kremers ◽

Maria Jansen

Keyword(s):

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Success Factors ◽

Collaborative Governance ◽

Small Scale ◽

Low Ses ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Retrospective Case Study

In health-promoting interventions, a main difficulty is that low socioeconomic status (SES) groups especially seem to experience barriers to participation. To overcome this barrier, the current study focused on the success factors and obstacles in the process of supporting low-SES families in becoming partners, while carrying out small-scale activities based on their needs. A retrospective case study design was used to construct a timeline of activities organized by and together with low-SES families based on mainly qualitative data. Next, key events were grouped into the four attributes of the resilience activation framework: human, social, political, and economic capital. The following key lessons were defined: professionals should let go of work routines and accommodate the talents of the families, start doing, strive for small successes; create a functional social network surrounding the families, maintaining professional support over time as back-up; and create collaborative governance to build upon accessibility, transparency and trust among the low-SES families. Continuous and flexible ‘navigating the middle’ between bottom-up and top-down approaches was seen as vital in the partnership process between low-SES families and local professional partners. Constant feedback loops made the evaluation points clear, which supported both families and professionals to enhance their partnership.

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