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PubMedDate not supplied

A gadolinium(III) complex of a carboxylic-phosphorus acid derivative of diethylenetriamine covalently bound to inulin, a potential macromolecular MRI contrast agent.

A novel conjugate of a polysaccharide and a Gd(III) chelate with potential as contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was synthesized. The structure of the chelate was derived from H5DTPA by replacing the central pendant arm by a phosphinic acid functional group, which was covalently bound to the polysaccharide inulin. On the average, each monosaccharide unit of the inulin was attached to approximately one (0.9) chelate moiety. The average molecular weight is 23110 and the average number of Gd3+ ions per molecule is 24. The ligand binds the Gd3+ ion in an octadentate fashion via three nitrogen atoms, four carboxylate oxygen atoms, and one P-O oxygen atom, and its first coordination sphere is completed by a water molecule. This compound shows promising properties for application as a contrast agent for MRI thanks to a favorable residence lifetime of this water molecule (170 ns at 298 K), a relatively long rotational correlation time (866 ps at 298 K), and the presence of two water molecules in the second coordination sphere of the Gd3+ ion. Furthermore, its stability toward transmetalation with Zn(II) is as high as that of the clinically used [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2-.

Contrast Media↗

PubMed2002

Generation of Maillard compounds from inulin during the thermal processing of Agave tequilana Weber Var. azul.

During the cooking process of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul to produce tequila, besides the hydrolysis of inulin to generate fermentable sugars, many volatiles, mainly Maillard compounds, are produced, most of which may have a significant impact on the overall flavor of tequila. Exudates (agave juice) from a tequila company were collected periodically, and color, Brix, fructose concentration, and reducing sugars were determined as inulin breakdown took place. Maillard compounds were obtained by extraction with CH(2)Cl(2), and the extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. Increments in color, Brix, and reducing sugars were observed as a function of time, but a decrease in fructose concentration was found. Many Maillard compounds were identified in the exudates, including furans, pyrans, aldehydes, and nitrogen and sulfur compounds. The most abundant Maillard compounds were methyl-2-furoate, 2,3-dihydroxy-3,5-dihydro-6-methyl-4(H)-pyran-4-one, and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. In addition, a series of short- and long-chain fatty acids was also found. A large number of the volatiles in A. tequilana Weber var. azul were also detected in tequila extracts, and most of these have been reported as a powerful odorants, responsible for the unique tequila flavor.

Agave↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The adjuvanticity of gamma inulin.

Gamma-inulin (g-IN) is a polymorph identified as the active component of inulin preparations that specifically activates the alternative pathway of complement (APC). The APC is central to many leucocyte functions, including B cell activation. We show here that g-IN, when formulated as a pure, endotoxin-free, fine suspension insoluble at 37 degrees C and given at 50-100 micrograms per mouse, is a potent adjuvant for both humoral and cell-mediated responses to a variety of antigens. g-IN increased secondary IgG responses five- to 28-fold (P less than 0.001), using as antigen phosphorylcholine coupled to keyhole limpet haemocyanin; subclasses IgG 2a, 2b, and 3 were boosted several hundred-fold, IgG 1 10-fold. IgM and IgA were increased four- to six-fold. Delayed hypersensitivity, by footpad swelling after secondary challenge with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), was increased more than two-fold (P less than 0.001) if g-IN was included with the primary SRBC, equivalent to increasing primary doses 10-fold. g-IN was equally active if given 5 days before the primary SRBC. Thus it is an immune stimulant rather than a depot or vehicle for antigen. Mice primed subcutaneously with 30-300 HA units of H2N2 influenza virus (strain A/JAP) and challenged intranasally with a lethal dose of H1N1 virus (strain A/WSN) all died, but if g-IN was given with the primary antigen 50% of the mice survived (P less than 0.001), a deduced but not proven boost to cytotoxic T cell-mediated immunity. Unpublished work has shown that g-IN has no adverse effects at adjuvant-active doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2001

The effect of oligofructose and inulin on faecal characteristics and nutrient digestibility in healthy cats.

The effects on faecal characteristics of different concentrations of oligofructose (0, 3, 6 and 9%) were investigated. The 6 and 9% supplemented groups differed significantly compared with the control group in almost all faecal characteristics. There were no significant differences regarding the macroscopical and chemical aspects of the faeces between the control and the 3% supplemented group. There was a trend for a lower pH of the faeces in the 3% supplemented group, suggesting a substantial effect on the faecal composition. In a second experiment, the effects of oligofructose (3%) and inulin (3 and 6%) on digestibility parameters were tested. In the supplemented groups the apparent protein digestibility was lower but this was due to a higher bacterial nitrogen content of the faeces. There were no significant differences between 3% inulin and oligofructose, although oligofructose seemed to be more easily fermentable, because of a trend to a higher concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the faeces of the oligofructose group.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

Pancreatic epithelium is permeable to sucrose and inulin across secretory cells.

The pancreatic epithelium is permeable to both sucrose and inulin and becomes more permeable when protein secretion by the gland is stimulated. Because these molecules are not thought to enter cells, it has been assumed that their movement across the epithelium from interstitial to ductal fluid, as well as the increase in that flux that is observed during augmented protein secretion, is due to their passage through paracellular shunts. In the present experiments we have considered the alternative possibility that sucrose and inulin travel through the cells of the secretory epithelium instead of, or in addition to, their passage through paracellular shunts. The data support this view and suggest that the pancreas is unusually permeable to water soluble molecules of substantial size by means of a transcellular pathway.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Inulin-type fructans and bone health: state of the art and perspectives in the management of osteoporosis.

If the primary role of diet is to provide sufficient nutrients to meet the metabolic requirements of an individual, there is an emerging rationale to support the hypothesis that, by modulating specific target functions in the body, it can help achieve optimal health. Regarding osteoporosis prevention, since Ca is most likely to be inadequate in terms of dietary intake, every strategy targeting an improvement in Ca absorption is very interesting. Actually, this process may be susceptible to manipulation by fermentable substrates. In this light, inulin-type fructans are very interesting, even if we need to gather more data targeting bone metabolism before health professionals can actively advocate their consumption to prevent senile osteoporosis. Besides targeting the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, inulin-type fructans still remain a source for putative innovative dietary health intervention. Indeed, given in combination with isoflavones, they may have a potential for maintaining or improving the bone mass of human subjects, by modulating the bioavailability of phyto-oestrogens.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Prebiotic effects of inulin and oligofructose.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that target certain components within the microbiota of the human large intestine. Efficient prebiotics need to have a specific fermentation therein and thereby have the ability to alter the faecal microflora composition towards a more 'beneficial' community structure. This should occur by the stimulation of benign or potentially health promoting genera but not the harmful groups. Because of their positive attributes bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are the most frequent target organisms. Both inulin and oligofructose have been demonstrated to be effective prebiotics. This has been shown through both in vitro and in vivo assessments in different laboratories. Because of their recognised prebiotic properties, principally the selective stimulation of colonic bifidobacteria, both inulin and oligofructose are increasingly used in new food product developments. Examples include drinks, yoghurts, biscuits and table spreads. Because of the recognised inhibitory effects that bifidobacteria can exert against gut pathogens, one of the most important aspects of prebiotic ingestion is fortification of the gut flora to resist acute infections.

Bifidobacterium↗

PubMed2002

Pet food and feed applications of inulin, oligofructose and other oligosaccharides.

Prebiotics may be considered as functional food ingredients. They are attracting considerable interest from pet owners, pet food manufacturers, livestock producers and feed manufacturers. The most common forms of prebiotics are nondigestible oligosaccharides (NDO), including inulin, oligofructose mannanoligosaccharides, gluco-oligosaccharides, and galacto-oligosaccharides. These NDO are nondigestible by enzymes present in the mammalian small intestine, but are fermented by bacteria present in the hindgut of nonruminants. Inulin and oligofructose are present in measurable quantities in feed ingredients like wheat, wheat by-products, barley, and peanut hulls. Consumption of prebiotic oligosaccharides elicits several purported health benefits. In companion animals, prebiotics have been shown to improve gut microbial ecology and enhance stool quality. In production livestock and poultry, prebiotics are employed to control pathogenic bacteria, reduce faecal odour, and enhance growth performance. Research to date indicates positive effects of prebiotics on health status and performance of companion animals, livestock, and poultry.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1975

A comparison between the changes in the distribution volumes of inulin and [51Cr]EDTA after major surgery.

In 12 patients undergoing major surgery the distribution volumes of inulin (V1) and [51Cr]EDTA (V-E) were measured simultaneously by a single injection technique the day before and the day after the operation. Preoperatively V-I was correlated to V-E, and both these volumes were correlated to the plasma volume (PV). Postoperatively only the correlation between V-I and PV was found. The changes in V-I and PV were significantly correlated, but there was no correlations between the changes in V-I and V-E or between the changes in these volumes and in the body weight. Inulin seems to be a better tracer than [51Cr]EDTA, but the lack of correlation between the changes in V-I and V-E and the changes in body weight raises some doubts as to the physiological significance of the measured changes.

Blood Volume↗

PubMed1988

Production of acids from inulin by a mixed culture of rumen microorganisms.

The production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and lactic acid from inulin (plant fructan with 2-1 bonds) in in vitro rumen fermentations was followed. The experiments were performed with inocula from wethers receiving two rations, with two pH regimes and using as inocula either whole rumen contents or the corresponding rumen fluid. The following results were obtained: The VFA production was higher when using inocula from hay and concentrate fed wethers. In contrast to this, the lactic acid production was higher when using inocula from hay fed wethers. The VFA production tends to be higher in a weakly acid medium than in a neutral medium. Acetate-to-propionate molar ratio was lower at lower pH. The amounts and composition of the VFA were not different when using both types of inocula. Thus, we believe that micro-organisms colonising plant fibres obviously do not play an important role in inulin splitting.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1975

Aging and the passage of L-tyrosine, L-DOPA, and inulin into mouse brain slices in vitro.

The effect of age on active transport of catecholamine precursors was studied in a healthy population of mature (12-mo.-old) and senescent (30-mo.-old) C57BL/6J male mice. No age differences were observed in uptake of L-(3H)-tyrosine IN VITRO by slices of hypothalamus, brain stem, and striatum at external concentrations equal to or greater than blood levels. However, age-related reductions were observed intermittently in the hypothalamus, brain stem, and striatum at very low concentrations of tyrosine (less than 10 pg/ml). No age differences were observed in incorporation of L-(3H)-tyrosine into hypothalamic proteins when corrected for intracellular uptake of L-(3H)-tyrosine. No age differences were observed in uptake of L-(3H)-DOPA. The possible contribution of age-related changes in extra-cellular space to decreased uptake was determined to be negligible by wash-out studies of tyrosine and by the uptake of inulin. A significant age-related increase of inulin uptake IN VITRO was observed under ionic conditions which minimize tissue swelling.

Aging↗

PubMed1999

Functional foods and health promotion.

Statements about the ability of selected foods to reduce the risk of diseases and to enhance the quality of life continue to captivate, and at times polarize, opinions. Interests in these "functional" foods and their active components are being propelled by increasing health care cost, recent legislative events and mounting scientific evidence. Increasingly, scientists are being asked to clarify the precise role that foods have in maintaining and promoting health. Accepting this movement as an opportunity to "optimize nutrition" rather than as a way in which to endorse good or bad foods or as a marketing gimmick will surely make it more acceptable to many scientists. However, the response to functional foods depends on several factors, including genetics, physiologic state and the composition of the entire diet. Although evaluation of the benefits or risks of foods normally does not entail the same extensive examination as that required of drugs, this does not negate the need for sound scientific information for making recommendations to the consumer. Identification of sensitive and reliable biomarkers will be key to adequate assessment of the true effect of foods and their components. Inulin and oligofructose are components of the diet that deserve added attention for their potential health benefits. Evidence that oligofructose and inulin alter several biomarkers, including gastrointestinal transit time, experimentally induced neoplasia and colonic microflora, suggests that these nondigestible carbohydrates are naturally occurring dietary constituents that may improve the quality of life and increase disease resistance in both humans and animals.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Concepts in functional foods: the case of inulin and oligofructose.

Recent advances in biosciences support the hypothesis that diet modulates various body functions. Diet may maintain well-being and reduce the risk of some diseases. Such discoveries have led to the concept of "functional food" and the development of the new discipline, i.e., "functional food science." A practical and simple definition of a "functional food" is a food for which a claim has been authorized. The food components to be discussed as potential "functional food ingredients" are the inulin-type fructans, i.e., chicory inulin and oligofuctose. The targets for their effects are the colonic microflora, the gastrointestinal physiology, the immune functions, the bioavailability of minerals, the metabolism of lipids and colonic carcinogenesis. Potential health benefits include reduction of risk of colonic diseases, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and cancer. The documentation of such benefits requires scientific evidence that must be evaluated in terms of "health claims." Previous assessments have concluded that, in terms of "functional claims," strong evidence exists for a prebiotic effect and improved bowel habit. The evidence for calcium bioavailability is promising, and positive modulation of triglyceride metabolism is undergoing preliminary evaluation. Scientific research still must be done to support any "disease risk reduction claim," but sound hypotheses do already exist for designing the relevant human nutrition trials.

Biological Availability↗

PubMed1999

Nondigestibility characteristics of inulin and oligofructose in humans.

The ileostomy model is considered to be a reliable model to reflect small bowel absorption. Studies in ileostomy subjects have shown that inulin and oligofructose pass through the small bowel without degradation and without influencing the absorption of nitrogen, fat, starch, calcium, magnesium or zinc. Inulin and oligofructose do not have any considerable effect on cholesterol absorption or bile acid excretion.

Cholesterol, Dietary↗

PubMed2003

A pilot study to investigate effects of inulin on Caco-2 cells through in vitro metabolic fingerprinting.

Metabolic fingerprints are novel measurement tools to evaluate the biochemical status of a living organism by using 1H NMR and multivariate data analysis (MVDA). In this way, a quick evaluation of changes in health or diseased state can be made, reflected in alterations of metabolic patterns. Normally, metabolic fingerprinting is based on in vivo studies. These studies often represent a labor-intensive and expensive manner of investigation. In vitro studies are not hampered by these disadvantages, thus constituting an interesting alternative. In this research, results are presented of a pilot experiment in which metabolic fingerprinting was combined with an in vitro model. For this purpose, differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed to inulin and its fermentative metabolites, both dissolved in culture medium. Cells were incubated for 0 or 48 h. Cell fractions were analyzed by NMR, then subsequently with MVDA. Differences in treatment provided detectable variations in the time of metabolic patterns of cell contents. Results indicated that glucose metabolism linked to glutamate was of major importance in the effects of inulin and its metabolites on Caco-2 cells under the conditions of our study. Metabolic fingerprinting in combination with an in vitro model appears to be a feasible technique with which to visualize metabolic patterns of cell contents and provides an efficient place for the generation of hypotheses about the metabolic pathways involved. In vitro metabolic fingerprinting may be of great benefit in the future for a better understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health.

Alanine↗

PubMed2006

Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and Lactobacillus salivarius UCC500 modify carboxylic acid formation in the hindgut of rats given pectin, inulin, and lactitol.

The effect of Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb-12) and Lactobacillus salivarius (UCC500) on the formation of carboxylic acids (CAs) was studied in the hindgut of rats fed pectin, inulin of low solubility, and lactitol. When the pectin diet was supplemented with Bb-12, the formation of CAs was larger throughout the colon of rats, due to increased formation of acetic acid (P < 0.01) and, in the distal part of the colon, also because of propionic and butyric acids (P < 0.01). In rats fed pectin and UCC500, there was a shift in the formation of CAs from the cecum to the distal colon. Thus, the cecal pool of CAs in the rats was lower (P < 0.05), whereas the concentration of CAs in the distal part of colon was larger (P < 0.01) than without this strain. Concerning the slowly fermentable inulin, there was a greater formation of CAs in the cecum (P < 0.05) of rats, especially propionic acid, and a lower formation in the distal part of the colon (P < 0.01) when the diets were supplemented with Bb-12, whereas UCC500 had no effect except for a lower proportion of acetic acid in the distal part of the colon (P < 0.001). In rats fed lactitol and Bb-12, the concentration of CAs was lower in the distal part of colon (P < 0.001) than without this strain, whereas the cecal pool of CAs was greater in rats supplemented with UCC500 (P < 0.001). We conclude that the probiotic bacteria affect the amount, the pattern, and the site of release of CAs in the hindgut of rats, but the combination of pre- and probiotics is of great importance for the outcome.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Differences in decline in GFR with age between males and females. Reference data on clearances of inulin and PAH in potential kidney donors.

BACKGROUND: To ensure that potential kidney donors have no renal impairment, it is extremely important to have accurate methods for evaluating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The golden standard, clearance of inulin, has been used in the present study. The aim was to evaluate the effects of age and sex on renal function and present reference data. METHODS: A total of 122 potential kidney donors, 62 females, aged 21-67 years, were investigated with the GFR and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) determined by clearances of inulin and para-amino hippurate. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD GFR and ERPF were 105 +/- 13 and 545 +/- 108 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively, and we found no difference between the males and females. When relating GFR and ERPF to age, however, a significant decline was found in GFR and ERPF in males, but not in females in the age range of 20-50 years. GFR fell by a mean of 8.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and ERPF by 90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) per decade in male donors. CONCLUSION: With adequate methods for determining GFR and ERPF, a clear difference in the effect of age was seen between the sexes. Males showed a significant decrease between 20 and 50 years of age, which was not seen in females. Females seem to be protected in the pre-menopausal period probably by oestrogens. These results confirm clinically those found in rats.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Effects of the in vitro fermentation of oligofructose and inulin by bacteria growing in the human large intestine.

The in vitro fermentability of oligofructose and inulin was compared with a range of reference carbohydrates by measuring bacterial end-product formation in batch culture. Short chain fatty acid and gas formation indicated that these substrates, which occur naturally in the diet and reach the colon in a largely intact form, were utilized by mixed populations of gut bacteria. Bacterial growth data showed that oligofructose and inulin exerted a preferential stimulatory effect on numbers of the health-promoting genus Bifidobacterium, whilst maintaining populations of potential pathogens (Escherichia coli, Clostridium) at relatively low levels. Pure culture studies confirmed the enhanced ability of bifidobacteria to utilize these substrates in comparison with glucose. Batch culture experiments demonstrated that the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis had an inhibitory effect towards E. coli and Clostridium perfringens. Potentially, an increase in the concentration of these substrates in the diet may therefore improve the composition of the large intestinal microflora and have positive effects on the quality of the Western diet.

Adult↗