Astragalus, a medical and edible plant in China, shows several bioactive properties. However, the role of astragalus in attenuating alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is less clear. The objective of this project is to investigate the improving effect of astragalus saponins (AS) and astragalus polysaccharides (AP), which are the two primary constituents in astragalus on hepatic injury induced by alcohol, and the potential mechanisms of action. Different doses of AS (50 and 100 mg/kg bw) and AP (300 and 600 mg/kg bw) were orally given to alcohol-treated mice for four weeks. The results demonstrated that both AP and AS could reverse the increase of the levels of TC, TG, FFA, and LDL-C in serum, and the decrease of serum HDL-C content, as well as the elevation of hepatic TC and TG levels induced by alcohol. The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and γ-GT in ALD mice were raised after AP and AS supplementation. The antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px) were obviously augmented and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and hepatic histological variations were alleviated by AP and AS, which was in line with the levels of oxidative stress-associated genes (Keap1, Nfe2l2, Nqo1, and Hmox1) and inflammation-associated genes (Tlr4, Myd88 and Nfkb1). In addition, AS exerted a more efficient effect than AP and the results presented dose proportionality. Moreover, AS and AP could modulate the intestinal microbiota disturbance induced by alcohol. Overall, AS and AP administration could ameliorate lipid accumulation in the serum and liver, as well as hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut flora disorders in mice as a result of alcohol.

It is useful to carefully observe the evolution of foam structures to elucidate the factors affecting cream during whipping. In this study, confocal laser scanning microscopy and a double dyeing technology were used to investigate the microstructural evolution of a rigid foam structure in whipped cream. The location of fat and proteins were determined according to the signals they produce at different characteristic wavelengths. Protein membranes on the surface of air bubbles were clearly observed. A simple yet comprehensive characterization of the whipping process was established according to the micrographs and supported by relevant theories. The formation of a rigid foam structure depends on foaming of the protein in the plasma phase and partial coalescence of fat globules. The formation of protein foam in the cream, creation of net structure, and system breakage and collapse phenomena occurring throughout the whole whipping evolution process was depicted and distinguished visually by different colors.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of the death around the world. An elevation of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. To achieve optimal plasma LDL-C levels, clinal therapies were investigated which targeted different metabolism pathways. However, some therapies also caused various adverse effects. Thus, there is a need for new treatment options and/or combination therapies to inhibit the LDL-C level. Dietary polyphenols have received much attention in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases due to their potential LDL-C lowering effects. However, the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of polyphenols in lowering LDL-C is not comprehensively summarized. This review focused on dietary polyphenols that could reduce LDL-C and their mechanisms of action. This review also discussed the limitations and suggestions regarding previous studies.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of nanofiltration and evaporation concentration technologies on the physiochemical properties of milk protein concentrate (MPC) during processing. Skim milk, ultrafiltered milk, evaporated milk, nanofiltered milk, evaporated MPC, and nanofiltered MPC samples were collected at different processing stages. Chemical composition, microstructure of casein micelles, free sulfhydryl content, and surface hydrophobicity of the samples were determined. The insolubility index of MPC was also determined. Casein micelles aggregated compactly after evaporation while surface hydrophobicity increased and free sulfhydryl content decreased in evaporated milk compared with skim milk. However, the microstructure of the casein micelles was relatively undisturbed after nanofiltration, with reduced surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl content. No significant difference was found in chemical composition between the 2 MPC preparations: approximately 61.40% protein and 28.49% lactose. In addition, the particulate microstructures of both MPC were similar. However, the insolubility index of evaporated MPC was significantly (0.58mL) higher than that of nanofiltered MPC. Nanofiltration may be an effective way to improve the solubility of MPC products.

Recombined dairy cream, which primarily comprises anhydrous milk fat and milk protein, has significant advantages compared to natural cream; however, its most notable disadvantage is poor stability. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lecithin on the stability and physical properties of recombined dairy cream (20% fat, and 1.5% protein) in terms of the creaming rate, mean oil droplet size and distribution, surface protein concentration, ζ-potential, and apparent viscosity. The results clearly showed that lecithin can significantly improve the stability of recombined dairy cream by decreasing the creaming rate, especially at a concentration of 0.6% (w/w). Increasing the lecithin concentration decreased the mean oil droplet size and the surface protein concentration but slightly increased the ζ-potential. The apparent viscosity decreased and surprisingly increased at 0.6% (w/w). We can infer that lecithin initially displaces proteins from the oil surface and may interact with both proteins and polysaccharides, forming a much more stable structure.