Post-exercise whey protein hydrolysate supplementation induces a greater increase in muscle protein synthesis than its constituent amino acid content.

It is well known that ingestion of a protein source is effective in stimulating muscle protein synthesis after exercise. In addition, there are numerous reports on the impact of leucine and leucine-rich whey protein on muscle protein synthesis and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. However, there is only limited information on the effects of whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) on muscle protein synthesis and mTOR signalling.

Dietary whey protein hydrolysates increase skeletal muscle glycogen levels via activation of glycogen synthase in mice.

Previously, we have shown that consuming carbohydrate plus whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) replenished muscle glycogen after exercise more effectively than consuming intact whey protein or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The mechanism leading to superior glycogen replenishment after consuming WPH is unclear. In this 5 week intervention, ddY mice were fed experimental diets containing WPH, a mixture of whey amino acids (WAAs), or casein (control).

Comparison of fructooligosaccharide utilization by Lactobacillus and Bacteroides species.

The utilization of 1-kestose (GF(2)) and nystose (GF(3)), the main components of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), by Lactobacillus and Bacteroides species was examined. Of seven Lactobacillus and five Bacteroides strains that utilized FOS, L. salivarius, L.

A new glycosylated dihydrophaseic acid from cacao germs (Theobroma cacao L.).

Cacao beans are composed of cacao nibs and germs. Although numerous chemical and physiological studies on cacao nib compounds have been reported, there is little information on cacao germ compounds. We therefore analyzed an extract from the cacao germ, and found two compounds that were specific to the germ.

Dietary whey hydrolysate with exercise alters the plasma protein profile: a comprehensive protein analysis.

Objective: It has been shown that dietary whey protein accelerates glucose uptake by altering glycoregulatory enzyme activity in skeletal muscle. In the present study, we investigated the effect of dietary whey protein on endurance and glycogen resynthesis and attempted to identify plasma proteins that reflected the physical condition by a comprehensive proteomics approach.

Methods: Male c57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: sedentary, sedentary with whey protein hydrolysate, exercise, and exercise with whey protein hydrolysate.

Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects.

The effect of protein fractionation on the bioavailability of amino acids and peptides and insulin response and whether the protein source influences these effects in humans are poorly understood. This study compared the effects of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein, independent of carbohydrate, on plasma amino acid and dipeptide levels and insulin responses in humans. Ten subjects were enrolled in the study, with five subjects participating in trials on either soy or whey protein and their hydrolysates.

Identification of marker genes for lipid-lowering effect of a short-chain fructooligosaccharide by DNA microarray analysis.

Administration of short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) is known to lower serum triglyceride levels in rats fed a high-fat diet, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify marker genes for lipid-lowering effect of scFOS administration. The changes in hepatic gene expressions in rats fed scFOS were investigated using DNA microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analysis.

Cacao procyanidins reduce plasma cholesterol and increase fecal steroid excretion in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, such as catechins and oligomeric procyanidins, and has a hypocholesterolemic effect in humans. This study evaluated the principal active components and potential mechanism(s) for the hypocholesterolemic effect of polyphenolic substances from cocoa powder in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a 1% high-cholesterol diet (HC) or a high-cholesterol diet containing 1% polyphenol extract from cocoa powder (PE) or a mixture of 0.

Plasma LDL and HDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations are altered in normo- and hypercholesterolemic humans after intake of different levels of cocoa powder.

Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, such as catechins and procyanidins, and has been shown in a variety of subject models to inhibit oxidized LDL and atherogenesis. Our study evaluated plasma LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations following the intake of different levels of cocoa powder (13, 19.5, and 26 g/d) in normocholesterolemic and mildly hypercholesterolemic humans.

Identification of marker genes for intestinal immunomodulating effect of a fructooligosaccharide by DNA microarray analysis.

Prebiotic fructooligosaccharides are noted for their intestinal immunodulating effects, and the identification of markers for the effects is a matter of great concern. This study aimed to identify marker genes for physiological effects of a particular fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on a host animal and also to define the target of its function in the small intestine. DNA microarray technology was used to screen candidate marker genes, and comprehensive changes in gene expressions in the ileum of mice fed with FOS were investigated.