A new statistical workflow (R-packages based) to investigate associations between one variable of interest and the metabolome.

Introduction: In metabolomics, the investigation of associations between the metabolome and one trait of interest is a key research question. However, statistical analyses of such associations are often challenging. Statistical tools enabling resilient verification and clear presentation are therefore highly desired.

Dynamics and determinants of human plasma bile acid profiles during dietary challenges.

In recent years, bile acids (BA) have received great interest due to their pleiotropic biological activity and the presence of plasma membrane-bound and nuclear receptors. Moreover, BA in blood have been identified by metabolite screening approaches as biomarkers that are associated with various diseases and even with a human longevity phenotype. With the growing interest in the microbiota contribution to the health-disease trajectory, BA that undergo deconjugation and other modifications by bacteria in the large intestine have become a prime target as a microbiome diversity modifier.

Dietary Pattern and Plasma BCAA-Variations in Healthy Men and Women-Results from the KarMeN Study.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in plasma are discussed as risk factors for the onset of several diseases. Information about the contribution of the overall diet to plasma BCAA concentrations is controversial. Our objective was to investigate which dietary pattern is associated with plasma BCAA concentrations and whether other additional nutrients besides BCAA further characterize this dietary pattern.

Metabolite patterns predicting sex and age in participants of the Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition (KarMeN) study.

Physiological and functional parameters, such as body composition, or physical fitness are known to differ between men and women and to change with age. The goal of this study was to investigate how sex and age-related physiological conditions are reflected in the metabolome of healthy humans and whether sex and age can be predicted based on the plasma and urine metabolite profiles. In the cross-sectional KarMeN (Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition) study 301 healthy men and women aged 18-80 years were recruited.

The role of plant processing for the cancer preventive potential of Ethiopian kale ().

: Ethiopian kale () is a horticulturally important crop used as leafy vegetable in large parts of East and Southern Africa. The leaves are reported to contain high concentrations of health-promoting secondary plant metabolites. However, scientific knowledge on their health benefits is scarce.

The influence of a chronic L-carnitine administration on the plasma metabolome of male Fischer 344 rats.

Scope: L-carnitine has been advertised as a fat-lowering and performance-enhancing supplement, although scientific evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The uptake of about 1-2 g of L-carnitine per day may result in the formation of metabolites like trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which in turn may be converted to potential carcinogens or promote the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods And Results: To assess whether an L-carnitine supplementation changes overall metabolism or causes the formation of previously unknown metabolites, we analyzed plasma samples from Fischer 344 rats originating from a previous study using a multi-platform metabolomics approach comprising LC-MS/MS and GC×GC-MS methods.

Fermentation of African kale (Brassica carinata) using L. plantarum BFE 5092 and L. fermentum BFE 6620 starter strains.

Vegetables produced in Africa are sources of much needed micronutrients and fermentation is one way to enhance the shelf life of these perishable products. To prevent post-harvest losses and preserve African leafy vegetables, Lactobacillus plantarum BFE 5092 and Lactobacillus fermentum BFE 6620 starter strains were investigated for their application in fermentation of African kale (Brassica carinata) leaves. They were inoculated at 1×10cfu/ml and grew to a maximum level of 10cfu/ml during 24h submerged fermentation.

Produce from Africa's Gardens: Potential for Leafy Vegetable and Fruit Fermentations.

A rich variety of indigenous fruits and vegetables grow in Africa, which contribute to the nutrition and health of Africa's populations. Fruits and vegetables have high moisture and are thus inherently prone to accelerated spoilage. Food fermentation still plays a major role in combating food spoilage and foodborne diseases that are prevalent in many of Africa's resource disadvantaged regions.

Age-Related Changes of Plasma Bile Acid Concentrations in Healthy Adults--Results from the Cross-Sectional KarMeN Study.

Bile acids (BA) play an important role in lipid metabolism. They facilitate intestinal lipid absorption, and BA synthesis is the main catabolic pathway for cholesterol. The objective of this study was to investigate associations of age, sex, diet (fat intake) and parameters of lipid metabolism (triglycerides, LDL, HDL, body fat content) with fasting plasma BA concentration of healthy individuals.

Degradation of folic acid in fortified vitamin juices during long term storage.

Folic acid (FA) concentrations of nine fortified vitamin juices were determined with the aim to study the FA degradation and to investigate the deviation from the declared label value. The juices were received shortly after bottling and were analyzed monthly during controlled storage conditions (light and dark) over one year. The analyses were performed by HPLC-MS/MS, which included a fast "dilute and shoot" sample preparation.