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Study of the hypolipidemic properties of pectin, garlic and ginseng in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Experimental hypercholesterolemia and its modulation by some natural dietary supplements (pectin, garlic and ginseng) and by the drug gemfibrozil were studied. Experimental hypercholesterolemia was induced by feeding rabbits a 2% cholesterol-enriched diet for 28 days. Hypercholesterolemic rabbits were classified into five groups. One group did not receive treatments and served as a control hypercholesterolemic group. The other four groups were fed the cholesterol-enriched diet in conjunction with either 10% pectin, 2% garlic, 2% ginseng or 135 mg g-1 b.w gemfibrozil in a daily oral dose. A normal group of rabbits fed a plain chow diet was also included in the study. The hypolipidemic effect of the above treatments was examined by estimating serum triglycerides (TG), total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol. Post-heparin total and hepatic lipase activities were estimated in post-heparin plasma obtained 10 min after an intravenous injection of heparin (200 IU kg-1 b.w). In order to evaluate the antioxidant status of the rabbits, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. After killing, aorta from all rabbits were subjected to histopathological examination. Results of the study demonstrated that feeding the cholesterol-enriched diet caused a significant increase in total-, LDL-, and HDL-cholesterol, plasma MDA and post-heparin total and hepatic lipase activities. On the other hand, serum TG and erythrocyte SOD were not changed. Histopathological examination revealed marked alteration in the aortic wall with the appearance of large multiple atheromatous plaques. Both garlic and pectin were successful in a significant reduction of the hypercholesterolemia in a way comparable to gemfibrozil. Garlic was the only treatment that has antilipid peroxidative property. Erythrocyte SOD activity was not affected by hypercholesterolemia or by any of the treatments. Also, none of the treatments were able to modify the significant elevation of post-heparin lipolytic activities associated with the hypercholesterolemia or to significantly affect the serum triglycerides level. Finally, among the hypercholesterolemic groups that received treatments, the least changes in the aortic wall were shown in the animals of the gemfibrozil group. Slight degeneration was observed in the aorta of animals treated with pectin or garlic. Ginseng administration failed to exert any significant protection from the remarkable hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerosis associated with the cholesterol- enriched diet.

Animals↗

Characterization of pectinases and pectin methylesterase cDNAs in pods of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Tomato fruit maturation is accompanied by a depolymerization of cell wall pectins which is due to the action of endopolygalacturonase (endoPG) preceded by pectin methylesterase (PE) activity. To investigate the role of endoPG and PE in determining the structure of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pectins, these pectinases were studied during pod development. Early developmental stages displayed low endoPG or exoPG activities while PE activities were measurable during all stages of pod and seed development. These results do not favour a possible synergistic action of PE and PG. For seeds, the relatively high PE activities concurred with relatively low levels of pectin methyl esterification. At a molecular level, one partial chromosomal clone of 210 bp (PE1V), two partial PE cDNA clones of 660 bp (PE2V and PE3V) from cv. verona and one full-length PE cDNA clone of 1990 bp (PE3M), from cv. Masai were isolated. The identity of the CDNA clones was confirmed by expression in Escherichia coli and immunodetection with antibodies directed towards a tomato fruit PE. Transcripts corresponding with the genomic clone PE1V were not detected but both PE2 and PE3 cDNAs corresponded with mRNAs 1.8 kb in length. In contrast to PE2, PE3 gene expression levels varied significantly in pods from different cultivars suggesting an involvement in determining pod morphology.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Application of polyuronides for removing heavy metals from vegetable oils. III. Application of alginic acid, pectic and pectinic acids for demetalization of hydrogenated sunflower oil.

Laboratory experiments have been carried out for the removal of heavy metals from hydrogenated vegetable oils using hydrated polyuronides (degree of swelling from 4 to 12.8 ml/g) such as alginic acid, pectic and pectinic acids. The effect of the type of polyuronide, degree of esterification and oil treatment on the degree of demetalization has been studied. It has been shown that with increase in the degree of esterification of the polyuronide the efficiency of demetalization decreases. The second and third treatment of the hydrogenated oil with pectinic acid resulted in a high degree of heavy metal removal. The possibility of efficient demetalization of hydrogenated oils by treatment with water solutions of pectinic acids has also been demonstrated. The degree of metal ion removal increases with decreasing concentration of pectinic acids in the water solution.

Adsorption↗

Effect of pectin and cellulose on formation and regression of gallstones in hamsters.

Male Syrian hamsters were fed a lithogenic diet containing 7% cellulose or 4.2% pectin. After 50 days, pectin was 76% and cellulose 64% less lithogenic than the control diet. Hamsters fed the control diet for 50 days were maintained on that diet for another 50 days or fed diets containing cellulose or pectin. There was a 52% increase in gallstone incidence in hamsters continued on the control diet and a 9% increase in those on cellulose. Pectin promoted regression of gallstones (by 52%).

Animals↗

Loss of pectin is an early event during infection of cocoyam roots by Pythium myriotylum.

Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an important tuber crop in most tropical zones of Africa and America. In Cameroon, its cultivation is hampered by a soil-borne fungus Pythium myriotylum which is responsible for root rot disease. The mechanism of root colonisation by the fungus has yet to be elucidated. In this study, using microscopical and immunocytochemical methods, we provide a new evidence regarding the mode of action of the fungus and we describe the reaction of the plant to the early stages of fungal invasion. We show that the fungal attack begins with the colonisation of the peripheral and epidermal cells of the root apex. These cells are rapidly lost upon infection, while cortical and stele cells are not. Labelling with the cationic gold, which binds to negatively charged wall polymers such as pectins, is absent in cortical cells and in the interfacial zone of the infected roots while it is abundant in the cell walls of stele cells. A similar pattern of labelling is also found when using the anti-pectin monoclonal antibody JIM5, but not with anti-xyloglucan antibodies. This suggests that early during infection, the fungus causes a significant loss of pectin probably via degradation by hydrolytic enzymes that diffuse and act away from the site of attack. Additional support for pectin loss is the demonstration, via sugar analysis, that a significant decrease in galacturonic acid content occurred in infected root cell walls. In addition, we demonstrate that one of the early reactions of X. sagittifolium to the fungal invasion is the formation of wall appositions that are rich in callose and cellulose.

Cell Wall↗

Detection and localization of pectin methylesterase isoforms in pollen tubes of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) were detected in tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes grown in vitro. Seven PME isoforms exhibiting a wide isoelectric-point (pI) range (5.3-9.1) were found in crude extracts of pollen tubes. These isoforms were mainly retrieved in supernatants after low- and high-speed separation of the crude extract. Two isoforms, with pIs 5.5 and 7.3 and molecular weight about 158 kDa, were detected by immunoblotting with anti-flax PME antiserum. Localization of pectins and PME isoforms in pollen tubes was investigated by immunogold labelling with JIM5 monoclonal antibodies and anti-flax PME antiserum, respectively. In germinated pollen grains, two PME isoforms were mainly detected in the exine, Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles. In pollen tubes the same two PME isoforms were distributed along the outer face of the plasma membrane in the vicinity of the inner layer of the cell wall, in the Golgi and around secretory vesicles. In pollen grains, PME isoforms were, in some cases, mixed with acidic pectins in proximity to the outer surface of the plasma membrane. In pollen tubes the presence of PMEs inside secretory vesicles carrying esterified pectins supports the hypothesis that, during pollen tube growth, PMEs could be transferred by secretory vesicles in a precursor form and be activated at the tip where exocytosis takes place.

Blotting, Western↗

Measurement of pectin methylation in plant cell walls.

A procedure was developed to measure the degree of pectin methylation in small samples of isolated cell walls from nonlignified plant tissues or pectin solutions. Galacturonic acid was determined colorimetrically with the 3,5-dimethylphenol reagent. Methylation was measured by base hydrolysis of galacturonic acid methyl esters, followed by gas chromatographic determination of released methanol. Estimates of the precision of analysis of pectin and cell wall samples were made. The coefficient of variation for estimates of the pectin esterification in cell walls isolated from 10-g samples of cucumber tissue ranged from 7.7 to 13.2%.

Cell Wall↗

Effect of pectin on serum cholesterol, fecal bile acids and biliary lipids in normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic individuals.

Pectin, 40-50 g/day for two weeks administered to nine normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic patients, had no effect on serum triglycerides but did cause a significant decrease in the serum total and unesterified cholesterol of hypercholesterolemic subjects in particular. This was associated with increased excretion of fecal bile acids and total steroids and increased concentration of plasma methyl sterols. Thus, the serum cholesterol reduction by pectin appears to be caused by increased cholesterol elimination into stools as bile acids which is then balanced by enhanced cholesterol synthesis. The composition of biliary bile acids and lipids was not changed and secondary bile acids and sterols decreased inconsistently in feces. The measurement of fecal dry weight suggested that the bulk of the pectin was degraded by bacteria during passage through the intestine. Consequently fecal mass and dry weight were not consistently increased, suggesting that pectin may not be an ideal fibre for increasing fecal bulk in functional colonic disorders.

Adult↗

A novel nucleosome assembly procedure (with a little help from pectin).

The acidic polysaccharide pectin (alpha-1,4-polygalacturonic acid) has been introduced as a nucleosome assembly facilitator as a substitute for polyglutamic acid. The pectin-assembled nucleosomes were indistinguishable from polyglutamic acid-assembled nucleosomes by thermal denaturation and DNAse I digestion. Pectin had two major advantages over polyglutamic acid-the yield of assembled cores was approximately 50% higher and the pectin could be easily removed after completion of the reassembly procedure by dialysis following pectinase cleavage.

Animals↗

Structure of citrus pectins and viscometric study of their solution properties.

Citrus pectins with degrees of methylation between 30 and 72% were carefully characterized in order to determine their charge density and molecular weight distribution, the content in galacturonic acid and in neutral sugars, the degree of methylation and acetylation. Using enzymic degradation it has been found that pectin molecules consist mainly of long homogalacturonan regions with some regions of neutral sugars as side chains attached on rhamnose residues. The viscometric behaviour of the different samples indicates that 0.1 M NaCl, at 25 degrees C, is a good solvent of sodium pectinates. From the evolution of the Huggins parameter, it appears that pectins with 50% of methylated galacturonic groups exhibit a maximum flexibility. A Mark-Houwink exponent of 0.8 has been found in good agreement with theoretical predictions for flexible polymers in a good solvent.

Acetylation↗

Molecular cloning of an Erwinia chrysanthemi oligogalacturonate lyase gene involved in pectin degradation.

Mutants of Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937 deficient in the pectin catabolic enzyme oligogalacturonate lyase were isolated by chemical and phage Mud(Aplac) insertion mutagenesis. The ogl mutation was biochemically characterized and localized near the trp his markers on the E. chrysanthemi chromosomal map. Analysis of Mud(Aplac) insertions, which generate polar mutations, revealed that oligogalacturonate lyase was the only affected enzyme in the pectin catabolic pathway, indicating that the ogl gene probably forms a separate transcriptional unit. Out of the two Mud(Aplac) insertions obtained, neither was an ogl-lac fusion. We cloned the ogl gene by complementing the mutation using the RP4::miniMu plasmid pULB113. pR'ogl plasmids were analyzed for the presence of other unselected genes of strain 3937. One of them, called pROU2, also carried the kduD and kdgR genes encoding 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate oxidoreductase, an enzyme of the pectin catabolic pathway, and the KdgR repressor, governing the expression of several genes of pectin degradation, respectively. The plasmid pROU2 harbored a chromosomal DNA insert of about 35 kb indicating that ogl, kduD and kdgR are very closely linked. Structural analysis of the ogl gene was carried out in subcloning experiments. This gene was localized on a 3.5-kb PstI fragment.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Determination of pathogen-related enzyme action by mass spectrometry analysis of pectin breakdown products of plant cell walls.

An analytical approach using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the structural characterization and assessment of the degree of polymerization of cell wall pectin-derived oligosaccharides (PDOs) in three regions of Botrytis cinerea-infected tomato fruit tissue is described. The PDOs were isolated from lesion centers (extensively macerated tissue), the area just beyond visible lesion margins, and healthy and intact tissue of an inoculated fruit, sampled at a distance from developing lesions. PDO mixtures were directly analyzed by mass spectrometry without chromatographic separation, after minimum cleanup by membrane drop dialysis. The structures identified implied the action of three different pathogen pectin-modifying enzymes. Modifications such as methyl esterification were identified by determination of exact PDO molecular masses and tandem mass spectrometry via collision-induced dissociation. We have identified four PDO series that were generated through the breakdown of homogalacturonan pectins. The decayed and lesion edge areas had fewer and less diverse PDOs than healthy tissues, possibly due to metabolic by-products of the pathogen. This analytical technique provides a simple and rapid method to characterize the pectin-derived oligosaccharides produced by in vivo digestion during pathogen infection.

Botrytis↗

Comparison of Prussian blue and apple-pectin efficacy on 137Cs decorporation in rats.

Cesium-137 (137Cs) is one of the most important nuclear fission elements that contaminated the environment after the explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine (1986). The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of two chelating agent, Prussian blue and apple-pectin on 137cesium decorporation in rats. Rats were intravenously injected with a solution of 137cesium (5 kBq per rat). Chelating agents, Prussian blue or apple-pectin were given immediately after Cs contamination and during 11 days by addition of each chelating agent in drinking water at a concentration corresponding to 400 mg kg(-1) day(-1). Efficiency was evaluated 11 days after contamination (at the end of treatment) through their ability to promote Cs excretion and to reduce the radionuclide accumulation in some retention compartments (blood, liver, kidneys, spleen, skeleton and in the remaining carcass). In these conditions after treatment with Prussian blue a fivefold increase in fecal excretion of Cs was observed and was associated with a reduction in the radionuclide retention in the main organs measured. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between untreated rats and rats treated with apple-pectin. These observations were discussed in terms of ability of pectins to bind Cs and compared to recently published results obtained after treatment of Cs-contaminated children with this chelate.

Animals↗

Material properties of concentrated pectin networks.

We have examined the mechanical behaviour of different types of pectin at high concentrations (> 30% w/w), relevant to the behaviour of pectin in the plant cell wall, and as a film-forming agent. Mechanical properties were examined as a function of counterion type (K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+)), concentration and extent of hydration. Hydration was controlled in an osmotic stress experiment where pectin films were exposed to concentrated polyethylene glycol [PEG] solutions of known osmotic pressure. We investigated the mechanical behaviour under simple extension. The results show that the swelling and stiffness of the films are strongly dependent on pectin source and ionic environment. At a fixed osmotic stress, both Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) counterions reduce swelling and increase the stiffness of the film.

Cations↗

An investigation of pectin methylesterification patterns by two independent methods: capillary electrophoresis and polysaccharide analysis using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis.

The analysis of partially methylesterified oligogalacturonides plays a key role both in the elucidation of the fine structure of the polysaccharide pectin and in the study of pectin-acting enzymes. Experimental methods performing the separation, detection and quantification of oligogalacturonides are, therefore, of crucial importance in the drive to understand structure-function relationships in pectin containing systems, both in vitro and in vivo. In this work standard samples of unesterified and partially methylesterifed galacturonides, and enzymatic digests of several pectin samples possessing distinct intramolecular patterns of methylesterification were studied using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and polysaccharide analysis using carbohydrate gel electrophoresis (PACE). In addition to yielding interesting information regarding the fine structures of the different pectic substrates digested, the study has been used as a vehicle in order to compare the two recently reported methods.

Electrophoresis↗

Production of a cell wall-associated endopolygalacturonase by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and pectin degradation during bean infection.

The bean pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum expresses two endopolygalacturonase genes, CLPG1 and CLPG2, during interaction with its host plant. However, only CLPG1 was found to be secreted to the extracellular medium during saprophytic growth of the fungus on pectin. To localize CLPG2, a FLAG epitope sequence was inserted in the C-terminal sequence of CLPG2 and the modified gene was introduced into C. lindemuthianum. Western blot analysis using a FLAG monoclonal antibody allowed the detection of CLPG2 in intracellular protein extracts and in the cell wall fraction, but not in the culture medium. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy was performed to detect CLPG2 during saprophytic or parasitic growth. According to the expression pattern of CLPG2, it was found that CLPG2 accumulates in the fungal cell wall during growth on pectin medium and during appressorium formation, both in vitro and during interaction with the plant. Pectin degradation was not detected around the infection peg using the monoclonal antibody JIM7, specific for methyl-esterified galacturonan. However, extensive pectin dissolution was observed during the development of secondary hyphae.

Cell Wall↗

Use of back-scattered electron imaging as a tool for examining matrix structure of calcium pectinate.

The internal structure of pharmaceutical solid dosage forms is commonly revealed by secondary electron imaging using standard scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. In this work we propose a back-scattered electron imaging (BEI) as a new tool for examining the matrix structure of calcium pectinate beads. Imaging samples with back-scattered electrons in the SEM is based on material or atomic number contrast. High atomic number elements, such as calcium, reflect more electrons and appear bright on electron micrographs. The BEI-SEM images of calcium pectinate matrix beads clearly showed net-like structure of calcium pectinate and uniform distribution of drug particles. The matrix compositions were confirmed by energy dispersive analyzer. The result demonstrates the advantageous of BEI for examining the matrix structure of calcium pectinate.

Calcium↗

The influence of variation of gastric pH on the gelation and release characteristics of in situ gelling pectin formulations.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of variation of gastric pH over the range 1-3 on the gelation of liquid formulations of pectin and on the in vitro and in vivo release of paracetamol and ambroxol from the resultant gels. The formulations were dilute solutions of pectin containing complexed calcium ions that form gels when these ions are released in the acidic environment of the stomach. Gels suitable as vehicles for sustained delivery of these drugs were formed in vitro at pH<3 from pectin solutions of concentrations 1.0-2.0% (w/v). Very weak gels were formed at pH 3.0 resulting in poor sustained release characteristics compared with those at pH 1.2; no significant in vitro gelation was observed at pH 3.5. The bioavailabilities of paracetamol and ambroxol from gels formed in the stomach following oral administration of the liquid formulations were investigated using gastric-acidity controlled rabbits. Visual observations showed in situ gelation of 1.5% (w/v) pectin formulations under conditions of both high (pH 1.0-1.6) and low gastric acidity (pH 3.3-3.6). The bioavailabilities of these drugs were not significantly different when released from gels formed at the two pH limits suggesting that normal variations of gastric acidity in the fasting state will have no effect on the bioavailability of these drugs when delivered using this vehicle.

Acetaminophen↗