PMID: 

Food Chem. 2018 Nov 30 ;267:319-328. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID: 29934174

Abstract Title: 

Yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) polysaccharides: Antioxidant, immunomodulatory and prebiotic activities and their structural characterisation.

Abstract: 

Yellow lupin polysaccharides (YLP-1, YLP-2 and YLP-3) were isolated from the whole seeds of Lupinus luteus L. Their antioxidant activities were evaluated by ABTSand hydroxyl radical scavenging, and Fechelating assays. Immunostimulatory activities were measured by their ability to activate macrophages to produce TNF-α and NO. Four strains of probiotic bacteria were used to measure their prebiotic activities. YLP-2 with largest galactose content displayed the best activity amongst the three isolated polysaccharides. NMR and FT-IR spectroscopic methods have revealed that YLPs contain galactans and galactomannanswhich are linked with β-(1,4) glycosidic bond in the main chain. The side chain Galp unit of galactomannan is connected to the main chain Manp by α-(1,6) linkage. The results presented in this paper strongly suggest that YLPs display significant antioxidant, immunostimulatory and prebiotic activities and hence hold great potential as nutraceutical and functional agents.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2018 Jul 20 ;10(7). Epub 2018 Jul 20. PMID: 30037028

Abstract Title: 

Extract Exerts an Anti-Diabetic Effect by Improving Insulin Release in Type 2 Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats.

Abstract: 

() is a legume part of Bolivian traditional diet that has a nutraceutical property reducing blood glucose levels. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide thus; the search for novel anti-diabetic drugs is needed. Based on its traditional use, we evaluated the anti-diabetic effect ofin the spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a model of type 2 diabetes and in Wistar rats as healthy control.seeds hydroethanolic extract, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, is a complex mixture of volatile and non-volatile components. A single oral administration ofextract (2000 mg/kg b.w.) improved glucose tolerance during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (30⁻120 min) in GK and W rats (

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 ;2018:1098015. Epub 2018 Dec 16. PMID: 30643523

Abstract Title: 

Edible Beans Protect against Bacterial Infection in Uroepithelial Cells.

Abstract: 

is a South American herb with edible beans, known to reduce serum glucose levels in diabetic patients. Furthermore,contains phytochemicals known to decrease bacterial load. Based on the increased urinary tract infections experienced among patients with diabetes, we investigated the effect ofon bladder epithelial cells in the protection ofinfection during normal and high glucose concentrations. We did not observe any direct antibacterial effect byextract. Instead we observed an influence on the host cells, with indirect impact on bacteria and their possibility of causing infection.extract decreased adhesion to bladder epithelial cells of uropathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. Moreover, uroplakin1a, involved in adhesion, was downregulated while the antimicrobial peptide RNase 7 was upregulated intreated cells irrespectively of glucose concentration. This supports an early effect fighting bacteria. Additionally,prevented bacterial biofilm formation, which is used by bacteria to evade the immune system and antibiotics. In summary,protects against bacterial infection in uroepithelial cells by preventing adhesion through alteration of the cell surface, increasing antimicrobial peptide expression, and reducing biofilm formation. Together, this promotes bacterial clearance, suggesting thatas extract or as a dietary item can contribute to the prevention of urinary tract infections, which is of importance in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance.

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PMID: 

Nutr Hosp. 2019 Aug 26 ;36(4):905-911. PMID: 31291739

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy of a Lupinus mutabilis Sweet snack as complement to conventional type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment.

Abstract: 

Introduction: therapeutic lifestyles changes including frequent consumption of legumes have resulted in improved metabolic control and decreased blood pressure in type 2 diabetes-mellitus (T2DM) patients. Objective: this was a quasi-experimental-28-week crossover-study that assessed the effect of daily consumption of the legume Lupinus mutabilis (LM) on metabolic control of T2DM patients under hypoglycemic oral treatment. Material and methods: we recruited 79 adult male and female patients that were followed for 14-weeks without LM consumption and then received increasing doses of a LM-based-snack for other 14-weeks. Results: there was a significant decrease in blood pressure and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol by the end of the study period. While patients with A1C concentrations>8 and≤ 10 did not significantly improve their metabolic control, patients with serum A1C concentrations ≤ 8.0% reduced significantly their A1C after the intervention and 71% achieved a target concentration of 6.5%. Conclusion: patients with T2DM could benefit with the addition of LM-snack to their conventional treatment.

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PMID: 

Food Res Int. 2019 Dec ;126:108585. Epub 2019 Jul 27. PMID: 31732051

Abstract Title: 

Lupine protein hydrolysates decrease the inflammatory response and improve the oxidative status in human peripheral lymphocytes.

Abstract: 

Although cell-free systems and immortalized cell lines have been used to demonstrate the potential health benefits of lupine proteins and peptides, no study has examined the effects of lupine protein hydrolysates (LPHs) on the immune and oxidative responses of non-immortalized human cells. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the in vitro administration of LPHs from Lupinus angustifolius on the immunological and oxidative statuses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 53 healthy donors. LPHs reduced PBMCs proliferation and the levels of Th1, Th9 and Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokines without being cytotoxic. LPHs also skewed the pro-/anti-inflammatory balance towards a Th2 protective response. Additionally, LPHs increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). This study is the first to show that LPHs reduce T cell inflammatory responses and improve the anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokine balance and the TAC by PBMCs. Thus, LPHs may represent an effective option for developing nutritional strategies to prevent pathologies with underlying inflammation and oxidative stress.

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PMID: 

Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Sep ;117:108989. Epub 2019 Jun 19. PMID: 31228801

Abstract Title: 

Antidiabetic effects of water-soluble Korean pine nut protein on type 2 diabetic mice.

Abstract: 

Korean pine nut protein (PNP) has a variety of biological activities, which are good for human health, but its ability to preventing diabetes has not been reported. This study evaluated the effects of water-soluble proteins of Korean pine nut obtained from a dilute alkali extract on carbohydrate metabolism of type 2 diabetic mice on a model of diabetes induced using a high fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The results showed that the hypoglycemic effect of PNP at a middle dose was the most significant, which was 38.7% lower than that of control. The extract significantly improved the oral glucose tolerance and liver indexes, increased the activity of the carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, and regulated the expression of the function of key genes for carbohydrate metabolism. It had a positive effect on both insulin resistance and glycolytic/gluconeogenesis signaling. In conclusion, PNP can regulate fasting blood glucose, improve insulin resistance, correct the glucose metabolism disorder in diabetic mice, and have a positive regulatory role. As the functional food, it has the potential to be beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as a new hypoglycemic functional food.

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PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Dec 23 ;9(1). Epub 2019 Dec 23. PMID: 31877933

Abstract Title: 

Narrow-Leafed Lupin (L.) Seeds Gamma-Conglutin is an Anti-Inflammatory Protein Promoting Insulin Resistance Improvement and Oxidative Stress Amelioration in PANC-1 Pancreatic Cell-Line.

Abstract: 

(1) Background: Inflammation molecular cues and insulin resistance development are some of the main contributors for the development and advance of the pathogenesis of inflammatory-related diseases; (2) Methods: We isolated and purifiedγ-conglutin protein from narrow-leafed lupin (NLL or blue lupin) mature seeds using affinity-chromatography to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activities at molecular level using both, a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and an insulin resistance pancreatic cell models; (3) Results: NLL γ-conglutin achieved a plethora of functional effects as the strong reduction of cell oxidative stress induced by inflammation through decreasing proteins carbonylation, nitric oxide synthesis and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcriptional levels, and raising glutathione (GSH)levels and modulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes activities. γ-conglutin induced up-regulated transcriptomic and protein levels of insulin signalling pathway IRS-1, Glut-4, and PI3K, improving glucose uptake, while decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators as iNOs, TNFα, IL-1β, INFγ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-27; (4) Conclusion: These results suggest a promising use of NLL γ-conglutin protein in functional foods, which could also be implemented in alternative diagnosis and therapeutic molecular tools helping to prevent and treat inflammatory-related diseases.

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PMID: 

Eur J Pain. 2009 Oct ;13(9):902-7. Epub 2008 Dec 19. PMID: 19101181

Abstract Title: 

Cortical changes in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Abstract: 

Recent research suggests that changes in cortical structures can contribute to the pathophysiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This review provides an overview of studies showing cortical involvement in CRPS, including mislocalizations of tactile stimuli, changes in size and organization of the somatosensory map, changes in motor cortex representation and body perception disturbances. In addition, we review experimental treatment approaches, such as mirror therapy and motor imagery programs, aimed at restoring the integrity of neural processing in the sensory-motor cortex in individuals with CRPS. The intervention effects are promising and can be theoretically motivated on the basis of established principles of neural organization, although important questions concerning the precise neural mechanisms of action remain unanswered.

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PMID: 

Pain Med. 2009 Jul-Aug;10(5):930-40. Epub 2009 Jun 1. PMID: 19496957

Abstract Title: 

Intravenous magnesium for complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) patients: a pilot study.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of intravenous magnesium administration as a potential candidate intervention for a large size trial in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1).DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial.SETTING: Outpatient pain clinic.PATIENTS: Ten CRPS 1 patients.INTERVENTIONS: Eight patients received 70 mg/kg magnesium sulphate infusions in 4 hours for 5 days. For blinding purposes, 2 patients received equal amount NaCl 0.9% solutions (data not analyzed or presented). Interventions were accompanied by standardized physical therapy.OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain was assessed using an 11-point Box scale (three times daily for a week) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Skin sensitivity was measured with the Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments, (other) impairments with the Impairment Level Sumscore. In addition, functional limitations (Radboud Skills Questionnaire, questionnaire rising and sitting down) and quality of life (Short Form-36 [SF-36], EuroQol) were evaluated. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after intervention.RESULTS: Mild systemic side effects were experienced and the infusions were locally well tolerated. Pain was significantly reduced at all follow up compared with baseline (T1: P = 0.01, T3: P = 0.04, T6: P = 0.02, T12: P = 0.02). McGill sensory subscale improved significantly at T1 (number of words chosen: P = 0.03 and pain rating index: P = 0.03). Impairment level (P = 0.03) and quality of life (EuroQol P = 0.04, SF-36 physical P = 0.01) were significantly improved at T12. No improvement was found for skin sensitivity and functional limitations.CONCLUSION: Intravenous magnesium significantly improved pain, impairment and quality of life and was well tolerated. The results of this pilot study are encouraging and suggest that magnesium IV as a treatment in CRPS 1 should be further explored in a large size formal trial design.

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PMID: 

Indian Pediatr. 2009 Jun ;46(6):529-31. PMID: 19556664

Abstract Title: 

Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 and scurvy.

Abstract: 

A 5 year old female developed features of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) i.e excessive pain to touch, decreased sweating and edema of left ankle 2 years after fracture of left tibia. Gum bleeding, petechiae and pseudoparalysis and suggestive radiograph characterized scurvy. Hyperesthesia improved and child walked with support following administration of vitamin C.

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