Dairy cows inefficiently convert dietary protein to milk protein causing economic and environmental costs. Amino acids (AA), insulin, and glucose significantly enhance muscle protein synthesis efficiencies. The objectives of this research project were 1) to investigate the regulatory effects of essential AA (EAA) and their interactions with insulin, glucose and acetate on mammary protein synthesis rates, 2) to investigate whether branched chain amino acids (BCAA): leucine , isoleucine , and valine , become limiting for milk protein synthesis when Met and Lys supply were not limiting, and 3) to develop a mathematical representation for the EAA and insulin effects on cellular signals for protein synthesis. MAC-T cells were treated with EAA, insulin, glucose, and acetate to observe their individual and interactive effects on phosphorylation of mTOR, rpS6, S6K1, 4EBP1, eEF2, eIF2α, Akt, and AMPK. These signaling effects on protein synthesis rates were examined with mammary tissue slices. A mathematical representation of the insulin and EAA effects was developed. The effects of supplementing BCAA on milk protein synthesis were investigated using nine Holstein cows, assigned to 7 d continuous jugular infusions of saline, Met and Lys, and Met and Lys plus BCAA. Multiple essential amino acids, Leu, Ile, Met, and Thr were able to substantially regulate protein synthesis rates in bovine mammary cells by increasing (P < 0.05) phosphorylation of mTOR, S6k1, 4EBP1, and decreasing (P < 0.10) eEF2 phosphorylation. Insulin considerably (P < 0.10) exerted similar signaling effects in MAC-T cells, independent of EAA. Supplementation of only acetate increased (P = 0.09) mammary cell energy status as indicated by reduced AMPK phosphorylation in MAC-T cells. Neither acetate nor glucose had substantial regulatory effects on mammary protein synthesis rates. Although Met and Lys supplementation increased (P < 0.01) milk protein yields and protein efficiencies, there were no apparent benefits of BCAA supplementation under the feeding circumstances of our study. The developed mathematical model adequately represented the regulatory effects of EAA and insulin. Such mathematical representations of regulatory effects of EAA and their interaction with other nutrients may improve our current AA requirement models to predict AA requirements of dairy cows with increased accuracy. / Ph. D.

Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmaceutical Botany Candidate: Nikola Holotíková Supervisor: PharmDr. Jana Karlíčková, Ph.D. Title of Thesis: Can essential amino acids be considered as copper chelators? Copper is a trace element playing an important role in the human organism. Copper levels in the body have to be carefully controlled because disruption of copper homeostasis can cause oxidative damage which may lead to various pathologies. Chelation of copper can potentially be used as a therapeutic tool. Medical chelators should ideally mimic chelators, especially peptides and proteins which are important for regulation of copper homeostasis. Their structure is formed by amino acids linked by peptide bonds. For this reason, the study is focused on selected amino acids. Proteinogenic amino acids are classified into essential and nonessential. Essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet. The aim of this study was to compare the copper chelation and reduction activity of essential amino acids L-histidine and L-methionine, and nonessential amino acids L-cysteine, its dimer L-cystine, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid. Also a L-cysteine-derived compound, N-acetylcysteine, was tested. All of them were tested using spectrophotometric methods at pHs which...

Esta pesquisa bibliográfica teve o propósito de elucidar a via do acido aspártico, apontando como fonte deste estudo os cereais. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa consistiu em estudar a via do acido aspártico, visando descrever uma variedade de técnicas de engenharia genética e bioquímicas que podem ser empregadas para aumentar a qualidade nutricional de cereais, podendo, assim, compreender o que acarreta o aumento do acumulo de lisina, metionina e treonina nos grãos para suprir essa necessidade na formação de uma proteína balanceada nutricionalmente. Foi realizada uma busca exaustiva em bases de dados Google Scholar, Portal Capes, ISI web of Science, no período de publicação de 1970 a 2012. Foram adotados textos de referencia internacional e nacional. Esta pesquisa foi dividida em três etapas: via do acido aspártico e seus aminoácidos derivados em plantas superiores de 1970 a 1997, via metabólica do acido aspártico no período de 1997 a 2006 e estratégias interessantes para aumentar o nível dos aminoácidos essenciais da via do acido aspártico em plantas no período de 2006 ate o momento. A primeira etapa foi desenvolvida relatando o acido aspártico como precursor dos aminoácidos essenciais: metionina, lisina, treonina e isoleucina. Entre os essenciais, a lisina e um dos mais estudados devido a escassez em muitos cereais, o que contribuiu para o estudo extensivo da via do acido aspártico, revelando, assim, a importância da aspartato quinase (AK), homoserina desidrogenase (HSDH) e dihidrodipicolinato sintase (DHDPS) como enzimas chaves para a regulação da síntese de lisina. A aspartato quinase (AK) exerce um controle sobre via do acido aspártico. A enzima dihidrodipicolinato sintase (DHDPS) regula a síntese de lisina. Na segunda etapa foi apresentada a importância dos aminoácidos sintetizados nas plantas através de complexas vias metabólicas que são controladas por enzimas, intermediários, substratos e aminoácidos. Este estudo também relata os aspectos importantes para uma melhor compreensão da síntese e o acumulo de aminoácidos solúveis e incorporados em proteínas. A terceira etapa foi apresentar estratégias interessantes para utilização em estudos, visando aumentar o nível de aminoácidos essenciais através da manipulação de genes já existentes, como também a introdução de genes estranhos nas plantas. Devido a importância nutricional, essa via tem sido extensivamente estudada, utilizando técnicas de engenharia genética e bioquímica. Pesquisadores tem apresentado esforços considerados no estudo desta via a fim de contribuir para futuras manipulações genéticas, cujo objetivo e produzir plantas com alto conteúdo de lisina, metionina e treonina. / The aim of this research was to elucidate the aspartate metabolic pathway using grains of cereal as a source of study. Therefore, it was necessary to understand the aspartate metabolic pathway in order to depict various biochemical and genetic techniques which can be used to enhance the nutritional value in cereals. After studying theses issues, it was possible to understand the results of having cereals with a high lysine, methionine, and threonine content, so that grains can have balanced protein content. For that reason, an exhaustive research was done by using international and national scientific data published in 1970 to 2012. These data were found in Google Scholar, Portal Capes, and ISI Web of Science. This research was divided in three parts: studies of aspartate metabolic pathway and their essential amino acids derived from plants published in 1970 to 1997, studies of aspartate metabolic pathway published in the period of 1997 to 2006, and interesting strategies to enhance the level of essential amino acids of the aspartate metabolic pathway in plants from 2006 to this moment. Firstly, this investigation reported about the aspartic acid as a precursor of essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, threonine, and isoleucyne. Among the essential amino acids, lysine has been the most researched due to its lack in many kinds of grains. Needless to say, it has contributed to the intensive study showing the relevancy of aspartate kinase (AK), homoserine dehydrogenase (HSDH), dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS), as key enzymes for lysine regulation. The aspartate kinase (AK) has an important role on the aspartate metabolic pathway, meanwhile the dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) is intrinsically involved on lysine synthesis regulation. Secondly, this investigation presented the importance of the amino acids which are synthesized by plants through metabolic pathways that are controlled by enzymes, intermediates, substrates, and amino acids. In addition, this research reported relevant aspects whereby scientists can improve their understanding about the synthesis and accumulation of soluble amino acids which are incorporated in proteins. Finally, the third part showed interesting strategies which can be used in future researches in order to increase not only the level of essential amino acids by manipulating genes, but also the introduction of odd genes in plants. Given the nutritional relevancy, this pathway has been extensively investigated by using techniques used by biochemical and genetic engineering. Hence, researchers have demonstrated a considerable effort on this matter contributing for future genetic manipulations, so that plants with high lysine, methionine, and threonine content can be produced.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:54:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 108398 bytes, checksum: 5b60b137e550825f68202b0f7d2f561d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-09 / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / A 21-d experiment with 126 pigs was conducted to evaluate growth performance, weight of liver, pancreas and spleen, morph-physiological conditions of the small intestine, and, and diarrhea occurrence of nursery pigs fed different levels of crude protein. Pigs (6.05 ± 0.35 kg of initial weight) were allotted in pens with three pigs each on day 21 after weaning, with six treatments, and seven blocks on a randomized blocks experimental design. The treatments were six corn-soybean meal based diets with decreased levels of crude protein (24%; 23%; 22%; 21%; 20%; and 19%). Increased levels of synthetic amino acid were added to the diets in order to keep the ratio between lysine and each one of the following amino acids constant (methionine + cystine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and isoleucine). Lactose levels were the same in all diets. Decreasing levels of crude protein from 24% to 19% did not influence daily gain (P>0.05), average daily feed intake (P>0.05), feed:gain (P>0.05) and carcass weight (P>0.05).. At the end of experimental period, one animal of each treatment was slaughtered for pH measurement of the content in the stomach and duodenum, relative weight of the liver, pancreas and spleen, villi height and crypt depth of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Effects (P<0.05) on duodenum pH were observed, but not in the stomach pH. The treatments did not influence the villi height and crypt depth (P>0.05), the weight of liver and spleen (P>0.05) but (P>0.05). No diarrhea occurrence was observed. In conclusion, decreasing levels of crude protein in nursery diets from 24% to 19% does not affect the performance of the piglets, the weight of organs, and the morph- physiological parameters of the gastrointestinal tract of piglets weaned at 21 days of age through 42 days of age. / Objetivando-se determinar o nível de redução de proteína (RP) a ser usado em substituição ao farelo de soja em dietas para leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade foram usados 126 leitões com peso inicial de 6,00± 0,95 Kg, distribuídos em experimento com delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos, sete repetições e três animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de seqüências de níveis de RP de 24,0; 23,0; 22,0; 21,0; 20,0; 19,0% nas dietas dos leitões. As rações foram suplementadas com níveis crescentes de aminoácidos industriais, resultando em rações com relações constantes entre metionina + cistina, treonina, triptofano, valina e isoleucina, com base na lisina. Ao final do experimento, um animal (unidade experimental) de cada tratamento foi sacrificado para mensuração do pH do conteúdo estomacal e duodenal, peso relativo do fígado, pâncreas e baço e altura das vilosidades e profundidade das criptas do duodeno, jejuno e íleo. Considerando o período experimental total (22 a 42 dias), constatou-se que não houve diferença significativa no ganho de peso médio diário, no consumo de ração diário e na conversão alimentar dos animais que receberam menor quantidade de proteína na dieta. Constatou-se que não houve diferença significativa no pH do estomago entretanto no pH do duodeno foi encontrado diferença significativa. Quanto ao peso relativo dos órgãos o baço e o figado não apresentaram efeito significativo enquanto o pâncreas apresentou diferença significativa. Quanto aos resultados para altura de vilosidades e profundidade de criptas do duodeno, jejuno e íleo não foi encontrado diferenças significativa. Conclui-se que as dietas de creche para leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade devem conter 19,0% de proteína bruta desde que suplementadas com metionina, treonina, triptofano, valina e isoleucina industriais.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T14:02:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 282982 bytes, checksum: 02ab6e3afc4b760df02b71b3ecefbab5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-05-29 / Pasture is the main source of cattle feed, but it is not capable of supplying the animal nutritional requirements completely. Therefore, an adequate management is necessary to improve productivity and reduce costs related to long term production. The search for technology to increase animal performance may be a feasible alternative to reduce costs with cattle nutrition. Fiber digesting ruminal bacteria utilize ammonia as their main source of nitrogen. Also, they have specific requirements for amino acids and an optimum growth when ruminal pH is around 6.2 to 6.8. For that, maximization of fiber fermentation is essential to increase ruminant production on pasture. Results of several experiments have shown that the supplementation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) increases feed intake, celluloses digestion, ruminal microbial growth, and daily gain for growing beef cattle. In this revision, studies show raise in milk production and daily gain in ruminants fed with forage based diets with the combination of some or all BCAA. In addition, this work makes possible to conclude that the supplementation with BCAA in association with rumen undegradable protein sources can increase animal production through the maximization of metabolizable protein. / O pasto constitui a principal fonte de alimentos dos bovinos, mas não é capaz de suprir todas as exigências nutricionais dos animais. Portanto, um manejo adequado é necessário para melhorar a produtividade e reduzir os custos associados à produção em longo prazo. A busca por tecnologias para o aumento do desempenho destes animais pode ser uma alternativa viável para reduzir os custos com alimentação do rebanho. Bactérias que fermentam carboidratos fibrosos (CF) utilizam a amônia como principal fonte de nitrogênio, possuem requerimentos específicos para aminoácidos e possuem um crescimento ótimo quando o pH ruminal está ao redor de 6,2 a 6,8. A maximização da fermentação de fibra é essencial para se aumentar a produção de ruminantes a pasto. Os resultados de vários experimentos têm mostrado que a adição de aminoácidos essenciais de cadeia ramificada aumenta a ingestão alimentar, a digestão da celulose, o crescimento dos microrganismos ruminais e o ganho de peso para animais em crescimento. Nesta revisão bibliográfica, os estudos mostram o aumento na produção de leite e no ganho de peso com a combinação de alguns, ou de todos os ácidos graxos voláteis de cadeia ramificada (AGVR) na dieta de ruminantes, compostas basicamente por volumosos. Além disso, através deste trabalho, conclui-se que é possível proporcionar um incremento na produção animal através da maximização da proteína metabolizável, associando AGVR a fontes de proteína não degradáveis no rúmen.

Submitted by PAULO SÉRGIO MARINELLI (professor.marinelli@gmail.com) on 2016-07-22T17:54:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TesePAULOSERGIOMARINELLIFINAL2016.pdf: 927674 bytes, checksum: beb1c758b76a3f632022e11378f2bcab (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-07-22T19:40:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 marinelli_ps_dr_bauru.pdf: 927674 bytes, checksum: beb1c758b76a3f632022e11378f2bcab (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-22T19:40:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 marinelli_ps_dr_bauru.pdf: 927674 bytes, checksum: beb1c758b76a3f632022e11378f2bcab (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-11 / As hortaliças não-convencionais como ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) e moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) são uma alternativa alimentar com excelente valor nutricional, de fácil cultivo e baixo custo. Têm sido descritas como importantes fontes de proteínas de composição equilibrada de aminoácidos, alto teor de fibras e de lipídios, principalmente ácidos graxos insaturados. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo a elaboração e caracterização das farinhas das folhas de Pereskia aculeata Mill. e Moringa oleifera Lam., além da avaliação sobre ratos Wistar de parâmetros bioquímicos e motilidade intestinal dos efeitos da administração destas farinhas. A caracterização química das farinhas foi feita por meio da determinação de umidade, cinzas, lipídios, composição de ácidos graxos, proteínas, aminograma, carboidratos, fibras, sódio, cálcio, e potássio. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) complementada com o teste de Tukey. As farinhas estudadas apresentaram valores de umidade considerados seguros pela legislação brasileira. O alto teor de carboidratos das farinhas é indicativo de uma planta potencialmente energética. Verificou-se ainda que as farinhas apresentaram altos teores de proteína, fibras, cálcio e na composição de ácidos graxos, destacou-se o α-linolênico. Com relação aos estudos bioquímicos e antropométricos, observou-se que a utilização das farinhas melhorou o perfil lipídico, evitou ganho de peso e não apresentou efeitos adversos significativos. O uso das farinhas também influenciou positivamente a motilidade intestinal. Pelos resultados obtidos nas análises, pode-se explorar o uso dessas farinhas em produtos alimentícios com a finalidade de agregar valor nutricional e produzir alimentos que contribuam para o bem-estar e a saúde do consumidor. / Unconventional vegetables like ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) are an alternative food with excellent nutritional value, easy to grow and low cost. They have been described as important sources of protein balanced amino acid composition, high fiber content and lipids, especially unsaturated fatty acids. Thus, this study aimed to the preparation and characterization of flour leaves of Pereskia aculeata Mill. Moringa oleifera Lam, apart from review of biochemical parameters of Wistar rats and intestinal motility effects of administration of these flour. The chemical characterization of flour was made by the moisture determination, ash, lipids, fatty acid composition, protein, aminogram, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, calcium, and potassium. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) complemented by the Tukey test. Flours studied showed humidity values considered safe by Brazilian law. The high carbohydrate content of the flours is indicative of a potentially energy plant. It was also found that the meal had high levels of protein, fiber, calcium and fatty acid composition, the highlight was the α-linolenic. With regard to the anthropometric and biochemical studies it was observed that the use of flour has improved lipid profile avoided weight gain and has no significant adverse effects. The use of flours also positively influenced the intestinal motility. The results obtained in the analysis, one can explore the use of these flours in food products in order to add nutritional value and produce foods that contribute to the welfare and consumer health.

Esta pesquisa bibliográfica teve o propósito de elucidar a via do acido aspártico, apontando como fonte deste estudo os cereais. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa consistiu em estudar a via do acido aspártico, visando descrever uma variedade de técnicas de engenharia genética e bioquímicas que podem ser empregadas para aumentar a qualidade nutricional de cereais, podendo, assim, compreender o que acarreta o aumento do acumulo de lisina, metionina e treonina nos grãos para suprir essa necessidade na formação de uma proteína balanceada nutricionalmente. Foi realizada uma busca exaustiva em bases de dados Google Scholar, Portal Capes, ISI web of Science, no período de publicação de 1970 a 2012. Foram adotados textos de referencia internacional e nacional. Esta pesquisa foi dividida em três etapas: via do acido aspártico e seus aminoácidos derivados em plantas superiores de 1970 a 1997, via metabólica do acido aspártico no período de 1997 a 2006 e estratégias interessantes para aumentar o nível dos aminoácidos essenciais da via do acido aspártico em plantas no período de 2006 ate o momento. A primeira etapa foi desenvolvida relatando o acido aspártico como precursor dos aminoácidos essenciais: metionina, lisina, treonina e isoleucina. Entre os essenciais, a lisina e um dos mais estudados devido a escassez em muitos cereais, o que contribuiu para o estudo extensivo da via do acido aspártico, revelando, assim, a importância da aspartato quinase (AK), homoserina desidrogenase (HSDH) e dihidrodipicolinato sintase (DHDPS) como enzimas chaves para a regulação da síntese de lisina. A aspartato quinase (AK) exerce um controle sobre via do acido aspártico. A enzima dihidrodipicolinato sintase (DHDPS) regula a síntese de lisina. Na segunda etapa foi apresentada a importância dos aminoácidos sintetizados nas plantas através de complexas vias metabólicas que são controladas por enzimas, intermediários, substratos e aminoácidos. Este estudo também relata os aspectos importantes para uma melhor compreensão da síntese e o acumulo de aminoácidos solúveis e incorporados em proteínas. A terceira etapa foi apresentar estratégias interessantes para utilização em estudos, visando aumentar o nível de aminoácidos essenciais através da manipulação de genes já existentes, como também a introdução de genes estranhos nas plantas. Devido a importância nutricional, essa via tem sido extensivamente estudada, utilizando técnicas de engenharia genética e bioquímica. Pesquisadores tem apresentado esforços considerados no estudo desta via a fim de contribuir para futuras manipulações genéticas, cujo objetivo e produzir plantas com alto conteúdo de lisina, metionina e treonina. / The aim of this research was to elucidate the aspartate metabolic pathway using grains of cereal as a source of study. Therefore, it was necessary to understand the aspartate metabolic pathway in order to depict various biochemical and genetic techniques which can be used to enhance the nutritional value in cereals. After studying theses issues, it was possible to understand the results of having cereals with a high lysine, methionine, and threonine content, so that grains can have balanced protein content. For that reason, an exhaustive research was done by using international and national scientific data published in 1970 to 2012. These data were found in Google Scholar, Portal Capes, and ISI Web of Science. This research was divided in three parts: studies of aspartate metabolic pathway and their essential amino acids derived from plants published in 1970 to 1997, studies of aspartate metabolic pathway published in the period of 1997 to 2006, and interesting strategies to enhance the level of essential amino acids of the aspartate metabolic pathway in plants from 2006 to this moment. Firstly, this investigation reported about the aspartic acid as a precursor of essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, threonine, and isoleucyne. Among the essential amino acids, lysine has been the most researched due to its lack in many kinds of grains. Needless to say, it has contributed to the intensive study showing the relevancy of aspartate kinase (AK), homoserine dehydrogenase (HSDH), dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS), as key enzymes for lysine regulation. The aspartate kinase (AK) has an important role on the aspartate metabolic pathway, meanwhile the dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) is intrinsically involved on lysine synthesis regulation. Secondly, this investigation presented the importance of the amino acids which are synthesized by plants through metabolic pathways that are controlled by enzymes, intermediates, substrates, and amino acids. In addition, this research reported relevant aspects whereby scientists can improve their understanding about the synthesis and accumulation of soluble amino acids which are incorporated in proteins. Finally, the third part showed interesting strategies which can be used in future researches in order to increase not only the level of essential amino acids by manipulating genes, but also the introduction of odd genes in plants. Given the nutritional relevancy, this pathway has been extensively investigated by using techniques used by biochemical and genetic engineering. Hence, researchers have demonstrated a considerable effort on this matter contributing for future genetic manipulations, so that plants with high lysine, methionine, and threonine content can be produced.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Botany)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of indigenous watermelon landraces (Citrullus lanatus) seeds grown in two districts in the Limpopo Province. Watermelon seeds are the most undermined oilseeds. The seeds have nutritional values that compare favourably with those of soybean, sunflower and ground nuts. Many cucurbit seeds such as watermelon seeds are rich in protein and oil, although none of these products have been used on an industrial scale. Nine indigenous watermelon landraces seeds (four from the Sekhukhune district and five from the Capricorn district) were examined. The landrace 06CDGM was found to have the highest mass per one hundred seeds (10.95 g per 100 seeds) with 07CDGM having the lowest mass (8.05 g per 100 seeds). The landrace 10CDGM was found to have the highest oil (41.5%), protein (20.39%) and fibre content (23.98%) with 01SDPW having the lowest oil yield (30.00%), 02SDPW was found to have the highest saponification value (184.57 mg KOH/g oil) and 09CDGM had the highest iodine value (138.575 g I2/100 g oil). The landrace 01SDPW had the highest total sugar content. All landraces were found to have the essential amino acid leucine. Antioxidant activity (66.95%) and total flavonoids (0.295 mg/g as catechin equivalents) were found to be highest in the 09CDGM landrace, and total phenolic content (0.91 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) was found to be highest in 05SDPW. The landrace 06CDGM was found to have the highest copper content (0.088 mg/g); 02SDPW was found to have the highest iron content (0.194 mg/g); 10CDGM had the highest zinc (0.312 mg/g) and sulphate content (0.129 mg/g); while both 10CDGM and 03SDPW had the highest content of calcium (9.13 mg/g). The landraces were found to differ slightly in the content and quality of components tested. Each of the landraces was found to have some qualities that render them superior to the other landraces. The qualities and content of the landraces compare favourably with those of commercial oil seeds such as the sunflower and soybean. Overall, the landraces from the Capricorn district were observed to have superior qualities than those from the Sekhukhune district. The findings indicated that the landraces from Capricorn district had more mean oil, mean protein, crude fibre content, total phenolics and total flavonoid content than those from the Sekhukhune district. The landraces from Sekhukhune district had high carbohydrate, ash content and high content of the minerals iron and calcium. The landrace 10CDGM was found to have overall high vi values with regard to most analyses, thus making the landrace superior to the others. The results indicate that landraces from both districts have complementary qualities to each other; however the landraces from the Capricorn are more superior in most aspects. The watermelon seeds have the potential to be used as a cost-effective and easily accessible source of nutrients and oil to meet nutritional challenges in developing countries. KEY CONCEPTS Citrullus lanatus; Landrace; Sekhukhune district; Capricorn district; Indigenous watermelon; Oil seeds; Essential amino acids; Antioxidant activity; Total phenolics; Total flavonoids; Mineral content; Total sugars; Crude fibre; Oil content; Saponification value; Iodine value.

<p>Diet is the number one leading modifiable cause of poor health globally, with poor diets accounting for 10.9 million (22%) of all deaths among adults in 2017. In addition, one of our generation’s forthcoming challenges is the rapid expansion of the population aged 60 years and older. Although people are living longer, there is an associated increase in the prevalence of aged-related chronic diseases and functional impairment, such as cardiometabolic diseases and sarcopenia. As such, dietary components can play a role in positively or negatively influencing the prevention and treatment of chronic cardiometabolic diseases and sarcopenia. One such dietary component is dietary protein, which is essential throughout the life course, from gestation through old age. Evidence supports dietary protein playing an important role in reducing the risk of developing age-related chronic diseases such as sarcopenia and cardiometabolic diseases. </p> <p><em><strong>     Study 1, Chapter 2:</strong></em> The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends consuming a variety of “Protein Foods” based on “ounce equivalent” (oz-eq) portions. In addition, the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan for NIH Nutrition Research includes to “define the role of nutrition across the lifespan” with an objective to “assess the role of nutrition in older adults to promote healthy aging.” However, there is a paucity of primary research that directly compares EAAs bioavailability between young and older adults consuming the same oz-eq portions of varied Protein Foods. No study has assessed the same oz-eq portions of animal- versus plant-based Protein Foods on essential amino acids (EAAs) bioavailability for protein anabolism in young and older adults. Therefore, we conducted two sequential randomized, investigator-blinded, crossover, acute feeding trials with the same study design; first in a cohort of young adults and second in a cohort of older adults. The primary objective of this project was to assess the effect of consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based (unprocessed lean pork or whole eggs) vs. plant-based (black beans or sliced almonds) Protein Foods as part of a mixed whole foods meal on plasma EAAs bioavailability for protein anabolism. Consistent with our hypotheses, participant age did not affect postprandial EAAs bioavailability, and consuming a meal with two oz-eq of unprocessed lean pork or whole eggs resulted in greater postprandial EAAs bioavailability compared to a meal with two oz-eq of black beans or raw sliced almonds in 1) young adults; 2) older adults; and 3) young and older adults combined. These findings show on the same oz-eq basis, consuming these animal- vs. plant-based Protein Foods more effectively provide bioavailable EAAs for protein anabolism. </p> <p><em><strong>     Study 2, Chapter 3:</strong></em> Poultry meat is the most consumed type of meat worldwide and in the US. Poultry is generally considered to be a “healthy” meat as it is a high-quality protein source and provides other essential nutrients. However, research assessing poultry and its effects on and relations with chronic diseases in humans is sparse, and the forms of poultry typically consumed in the US, are not necessarily in line with recommendations provided by the DGA. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to systematically search and chronicle scientific literature pertinent to poultry intake and human health. Main findings from this project were 1) historically, little research, especially randomized diet-controlled feeding trials, has been conducted to understand associations between and effects of consuming poultry products on human health; 2) the majority of research is from observational studies assessing relationships between poultry intake and risks of morbidity and mortality from various types of cancer; 3) a paucity of research exists to support chicken as a health-promoting food in children; and 4) research taking into account poultry product processing and cooking methods is needed. Science and health professionals, the poultry industry, and the public will benefit from new observational and experimental research to address cutting-edge scientific, public policy, and consumer topics pertinent to poultry intake and human health. </p> <p><em><strong>     Study 3, Chapter 4:</strong></em> Emerging research on whey protein supplementation suggests it may be a potential modifier of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factors, including glucose control. As systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials are gaining importance in nutrition literature, we conducted an umbrella systematic review to search for and chronicle published systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials pertinent to whey protein supplementation and T2DM modifiable risk factors (study 3, Chapter 4). Among the 13 systematic reviews, including 12 meta-analyses critically assessed for this umbrella review, no reviews reported any adverse effects of whey protein on any reported T2DM-related risk factor. Collectively, a preponderance of evidence indicates whey protein supplementation improves multiple clinical indicators of glucose control in apparently healthy adults and those at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. </p>

L'homéostasie cellulaire implique une régulation fine de la production ainsi que de l'élimination des protéines. La dérégulation de cette homéostasie entraîne des effets néfastes touchant de nombreuses voies de signalisation et de métabolisme et pouvant conduire à diverses maladies telles que le cancer ou la neurodégénérescence. De ce fait, la dégradation des protéines est un processus hautement contrôlé effectué par le système ubiquitine-protéasome (UPS) qui permet le ciblage, l’étiquetage et la dégradation des protéines mal repliées, endommagées ou en fin de vie. Le protéasome est un complexe multiprotéique vital présent dans toutes les cellules eucaryotes dont la biogenèse, la fonction de dégradation et la régulation dans le cytoplasme sont bien connues. Cependant, la fonction du protéasome dans le noyau, notamment en réponse au stress, est encore peu comprise. Les cellules ont développé de nombreux mécanismes adaptatifs en réponse à la variation de l'apport en nutriments comme l’augmentation de la dégradation et le recyclage des protéines. Chez l’humain, le protéasome est dégradé dans le cytoplasme par autophagie lors d’une privation de nutriments mais les mécanismes de régulation du protéasome nucléaire en réponse au stress métabolique restent peu connus. Nous avons trouvé que le protéasome 26S et la sous-unité régulatrice PSME3 forment des foyers nucléaires dans différents types cellulaires de mammifère en réponse à une privation en nutriments. Les foyers, nommés SIPAN pour Starvation-Induced Proteasome Assemblies in the Nucleus, ne sont colocalisés avec aucune structure ou corps nucléaires connus. La formation des SIPAN est réversible lors d’une réintégration des nutriments, suggérant une réponse spécifique liée à un stress métabolique. La manipulation de la quantité d’acides aminés intracellulaire a révélé que les acides aminés non-essentiels jouent un rôle important dans la formation et la résolution des SIPAN. Une analyse métabolomique a permis de trouver des voies reliées au métabolisme des nucléotides et des acides aminés qui pourraient fournir des facteurs clés pour la dissipation des foyers du protéasome. Le fort dynamisme des SIPAN, la présence d’événements de fusion et leur instabilité vis-à-vis des conditions cellulaires suggèrent que les SIPAN résultent d’une séparation de phase liquide-liquide (LLPS). De plus, nous avons trouvé que l’ubiquitine conjuguée est présente dans les SIPAN et que l’ubiquitination et la déubiquitination semblent être impliquées dans la formation et la résolution, respectivement. Nous avons ensuite découvert que la perte du récepteur à l’ubiquitine RAD23B empêche la formation des SIPAN. En effet, les domaines de liaison au protéasome UBL et de liaison à l’ubiquitine UBA1/UBA2 sont nécessaires pour la formation des SIPAN. De manière intéressante, la perte de RAD23B ou du complexe régulateur PSME3 retarde l’induction de l’apoptose et promeut la survie cellulaire. Enfin, en utilisant un inducteur de l’apoptose, nous avons observé l’apparition de ces foyers du protéasome dans le noyau des cellules dont certaines caractéristiques sont similaires aux SIPAN. Notre étude aborde une question très importante dans la compréhension des rôles et du dynamisme du protéasome nucléaire, en particulier dans l'adaptation au stress, qui peut réguler le niveau des protéines nucléaires. De façon générale, cela nous aidera à mieux comprendre le rôle du protéasome dans l’homéostasie nucléaire et son implication dans les maladies humaines. / Cellular homeostasis involves specific regulation of the production as well as the elimination of proteins. The deregulation of this equilibrium leads to harmful effects affecting many signaling and metabolic pathways and can lead to various diseases, such as cancer or neurodegeneration. Hence, protein degradation is a highly controlled process performed by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) that allows targeting, labeling and degradation of misfolded, damaged, or end-of-life proteins. The proteasome is a vital multiprotein complex found in all eukaryotic cells whose biogenesis, degradative function, and regulation in the cytoplasm are well known. However, the function of the proteasome in the nucleus, particularly in response to stress, is still poorly understood. Cells have evolved many adaptive mechanisms in response to varying nutrient supply such as increased protein degradation and recycling. In humans, the proteasome is degraded in the cytoplasm by autophagy during nutrient deprivation, but the regulatory mechanisms of the nuclear proteasome in response to metabolic stress remain poorly understood. We have found that the 26S proteasome and regulatory subunit PSME3 form nuclear foci in different mammalian cell types in response to nutrient deprivation. These foci, called SIPAN for Starvation-Induced Proteasome Assemblies in the Nucleus, do not colocalize with any known nuclear structures or bodies. The formation of SIPAN is reversible upon nutrient replenishment, suggesting a specific response to metabolic stress. Manipulation of the intracellular amino acid pool revealed that non-essential amino acids play important roles in the formation and resolution of SIPAN. A metabolomics study has identified pathways related to nucleotide and amino acid metabolism that may provide key factors for the dissipation of the proteasome foci. The strong dynamism of SIPAN, the presence of fusion events and their instability towards cellular conditions suggest that SIPAN result from liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Additionally, we have found that conjugated ubiquitin is present in SIPAN and that ubiquitination and deubiquitination appear to be involved in their formation and resolution, respectively. We then discovered that the depletion of the ubiquitin receptor RAD23B prevents the formation of SIPAN. Indeed, the UBL proteasome binding domain and UBA1/UBA2 ubiquitin binding domains are required for SIPAN formation. Interestingly, the depletion of RAD23B or the proteasome regulatory particle PSME3 delays the induction of apoptosis and promotes cell survival. Finally, we found that an apoptosis-inducing agent promotes proteasome foci formation in the nucleus of cells, and these organelles share similarities with SIPAN. Our study addresses a very important question in understanding the roles and dynamism of the proteasome in the nucleus, specifically during stress adaptation, which can regulate the level of nuclear proteins. In general, this will help us to better understand the role of the proteasome in nuclear homeostasis and its involvement in human diseases.