1.
Bioactivity of soy-based fermented foods: A review.
Cao, ZH, Green-Johnson, JM, Buckley, ND, Lin, QY
Biotechnology advances. 2019;37(1):223-238
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Plain language summary
Fermented foods are growing in popularity in the West due to their unique flavour and nutritional value. This review investigates the fermentation processes, health-associated bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of the popular fermented soy products Natto, fermented soy milk, Tempeh and soy sauce. Each fermented soy product is summarised based on functional activities. The existing literature points to an overall positive effect on bone health and immune activities. Interestingly, each fermented soy food exhibits different profiles of bioactive components and therefore different mechanisms of action. Based on this review, the authors conclude there is a need for further in-depth human studies with large sample sizes and long-term follow up to better understand these foods benefits and potential toxicity.
Abstract
For centuries, fermented soy foods have been dietary staples in Asia and, now, in response to consumer demand, they are available throughout the world. Fermentation bestows unique flavors, boosts nutritional values and increases or adds new functional properties. In this review, we describe the functional properties and underlying action mechanisms of soy-based fermented foods such as Natto, fermented soy milk, Tempeh and soy sauce. When possible, the contribution of specific bioactive components is highlighted. While numerous studies with in vitro and animal models have hinted at the functionality of fermented soy foods, ascribing health benefits requires well-designed, often complex human studies with analysis of diet, lifestyle, family and medical history combined with long-term follow-ups for each subject. In addition, the contribution of the microbiome to the bioactivities of fermented soy foods, possibly mediated through direct action or bioactive metabolites, needs to be studied. Potential synergy or other interactions among the microorganisms carrying out the fermentation and the host's microbial community may also contribute to food functionality, but the details still require elucidation. Finally, safety evaluation of fermented soy foods has been limited, but is essential in order to provide guidelines for consumption and confirm lack of toxicity.
2.
[Efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kd) plus adefovir for 96 weeks in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients].
Cao, ZH, Ma, LN, Liu, YL, Jin, Y, He, ZM, Lu, JF, Zhang, YH, Chen, XY
Zhonghua gan zang bing za zhi = Zhonghua ganzangbing zazhi = Chinese journal of hepatology. 2013;(7):498-501
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of an extended course (96-week) of combination treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFNa-2a; 40 kd] plus adefovir (ADV) for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Chinese patients with negativity for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). METHODS A total of 25 consecutive patients with HBeAg-negative CHB were administered Peg-IFNa-2a (135-180 mug/week) plus ADV (10 mg/day) for 96 weeks. All patients were followed-up for 24 weeks after treatment completion. Levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) were measured by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, respectively, at 12-week intervals throughout the treatment course and at the end-of-follow-up (week 120). Patients underwent serological analysis at 3-6 month intervals during treatment and follow-up to evaluate occurrence of adverse events; serological parameters included blood count, markers of liver, kidney and thyroid function, and levels of autoantibodies and creatine kinase. RESULTS For all patients, the 96-week course of Peg-IFNa-2a plus ADV reduced the level of HBV DNA below the detection threshold (less than 500 copies/ml by FQ-PCR). The overall rate of HBsAg seroconversion was 12% (3/25) at week 48, 28% (7/25) at week 96, and 32% (8/25) at week 120. The occurrences of adverse events were similar at week 48 and week 96. CONCLUSION The extended-course Peg-IFNa-2a plus ADV combination therapy achieved a 100% virological response and better rates of HBsAg seroconversion than 48 weeks of therapy, without a decrease in safety.