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Marine Drugs Aug 2023The protein extract of hydrolyzed with Alcalase and Flavourzyme was found to have multi-functional properties, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), collagenase...
The protein extract of hydrolyzed with Alcalase and Flavourzyme was found to have multi-functional properties, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), collagenase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. The #5 fraction (SP5) and #7 fraction (SP7) of hydrolysate from cation-exchange chromatography displayed significantly high TAC, collagenase inhibitory, and antibacterial effects against , and only the Q3 fraction from anion-exchange chromatography displayed high multi-functional activities. Eight of 42 peptides identified by MALDI-TOF/MS and Q-TOF/MS/MS were selected from the results for screening with molecular docking on target proteins and were then synthesized. Thr-Gly-Thr-Trp (TGTW) displayed ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] radical scavenging activity. The effect of TAC as Trolox equivalence was dependent on the concentration of TGTW. Asn-Arg-Asp-Tyr (NRDY) and Arg-Asp-Arg-Phe (RDRF) exhibited collagenase inhibitory activity, which increased according to the increase in concentration, and their IC values were 0.95 mM and 0.84 mM, respectively. Peptides RDRF and His-Ala-Val-Tyr (HAVY) displayed anti- effects, with IC values of 8.57 mM and 13.23 mM, respectively. These results suggest that the hydrolysate could be a resource for the application of effective nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
PubMed: 37755082
DOI: 10.3390/md21090469 -
MSphere May 2024are part of the human skin microbiota and are opportunistic microorganisms that become pathogenic in immunodeficient states. These lipophilic bacteria willingly inhabit...
UNLABELLED
are part of the human skin microbiota and are opportunistic microorganisms that become pathogenic in immunodeficient states. These lipophilic bacteria willingly inhabit areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are abundant; hence, there is a need to thoroughly understand their metabolism. Lipids are no longer considered only structural elements but also serve as signaling molecules and may have antigenic properties. Lipidomics remains a major research challenge, mainly due to the diverse physicochemical properties of lipids. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a large comparative lipidomic analysis of eight representatives of the genus, including four phylotypes of and two strains of , , and . Lipidomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in both positive and negative ion modes, allowing the detection of the widest range of metabolites. Fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC-MS) corroborated the lipidomic data. As a result, 128 lipids were identified, among which it was possible to select marker compounds, some of which were characteristic even of individual phylotypes. These include phosphatidylcholine PC 30:0, sphingomyelins (SM 33:1, SM 35:1), and phosphatidylglycerol with an alkyl ether substituent PG O-32:0. Moreover, cardiolipins and fatty acid amides were identified in spp. for the first time. This comparative characterization of the cutibacterial lipidome with the search for specific molecular markers reveals its diagnostic potential for clinical microbiology.
IMPORTANCE
(previously ) represents an important part of the human skin microbiota, and its role in clinical microbiology is growing due to opportunistic infections. Lipidomics, apart from protein profiling, has the potential to prove to be a useful tool for defining the cellular fingerprint, allowing for precise differentiation of microorganisms. In this work, we presented a comparative analysis of lipids found in eight strains of the genus , including a few phylotypes. Our results are one of the first large-scale comprehensive studies regarding the bacterial lipidome, which also enabled the selection of phylotype-specific lipid markers. The increased role of lipids not only as structural components but also as diagnostic markers or potential antigens has led to new lipid markers that can be used as diagnostic tools for clinical microbiology. We believe that the findings in our paper will appeal to a wide range of researchers.
Topics: Lipidomics; Humans; Propionibacteriaceae; Chromatography, Liquid; Lipids; Skin; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Fatty Acids; Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38712970
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00054-24 -
BMC Surgery Oct 2023The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia) on the diagnosis and management of anal fissure, with the purpose to guide every physician in the choice of the best treatment option, according with the available literature.
METHODS
A panel of experts was designed and charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key-questions on the main topics covering the management of anal fissure and to performe an accurate search on each topic in different databanks, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in different rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to the PICO criteria, and the statements developed adopting the GRADE methodology.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with acute anal fissure the medical therapy with dietary and behavioral norms is indicated. In the chronic phase of disease, the conservative treatment with topical 0.3% nifedipine plus 1.5% lidocaine or nitrates may represent the first-line therapy, eventually associated with ointments with film-forming, anti-inflammatory and healing properties such as Propionibacterium extract gel. In case of first-line treatment failure, the surgical strategy (internal sphincterotomy or fissurectomy with flap), may be guided by the clinical findings, eventually supported by endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry.
Topics: Humans; Fissure in Ano; Colorectal Surgery; Lidocaine; Colon; Chronic Disease; Anal Canal; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37833715
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-023-02223-z -
Journal of Dairy Science Dec 2023We evaluated the effects of supplementing bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) on performance, apparent total-tract digestibility, rumen fermentation, and immune...
We evaluated the effects of supplementing bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) on performance, apparent total-tract digestibility, rumen fermentation, and immune parameters of lactating dairy cows. One hundred fourteen multiparous Holstein cows (41 ± 7 DIM) were used in a randomized complete block design with an experiment comprising 14 d of a covariate (pre-experimental sample and data collection) and 91 d of an experimental period. Cows were blocked based on energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield during the covariate period and the following treatments were randomly assigned within each block: (1) control (CON), corn silage-based total mixed ration without DFM; (2) PRO-A, basal diet top-dressed with a mixture of Lactobacillus animalis and Propionibacterium freudenreichii at 3 × 10 cfu/d; and 3) PRO-B, basal diet top-dressed with a mixture of L. animalis, P. freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis at 11.8 × 10 cfu/d. Milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight were measured daily, while milk samples for component analysis were taken on 2 consecutive days of each week of data collection. Feces, urine, rumen, and blood samples were taken during the covariate period, wk 4, 7, 10, and 13 for estimation of digestibility, N-partitioning, rumen fermentation, plasma nutrient status and immune parameters. Treatments had no effect on DMI and milk yield. Fat-corrected milk (3.5% FCM) and milk fat yield were improved with PRO-B, while milk fat percent and feed efficiency (ECM/DMI) tended to increase with PRO-B compared with PRO-A and CON. Crude fat digestibility was greater with PRO-B compared with CON. Feeding CON and PRO-A resulted in higher total volatile fatty acid concentration relative to PRO-B. Percentage of neutrophils tended to be reduced with PRO-A compared with CON and PRO-B. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of anti-CD44 antibody on granulocytes tended to be higher in PRO-B compared with CON. The MFI of anti-CD62L antibody on CD8+ T cells was lower in PRO-A than PRO-B, with PRO-A also showing a tendency to be lower than CON. This study indicates the potential of DFM to improve fat digestibility with consequential improvement in fat corrected milk yield, feed efficiency and milk fat yield by lactating dairy cows. The study findings also indicate that dietary supplementation with DFM may augment immune parameters or activation of immune cells, including granulocytes and T cells; however, the overall effects on immune parameters are inconclusive.
Topics: Female; Cattle; Animals; Lactation; Animal Feed; Milk; Diet; Digestion; Dietary Supplements; Rumen
PubMed: 37641244
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22898 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Mar 2024Host and tissue-specificity of endophytes are important attributes that limit the endophyte application on multiple crops. Therefore, understanding the endophytic...
Host and tissue-specificity of endophytes are important attributes that limit the endophyte application on multiple crops. Therefore, understanding the endophytic composition of the targeted crop is essential, especially for the dioecious plants where the male and female plants are different. Here, efforts were made to understand the endophytic bacterial composition of the dioecious Siraitia grosvenorii plant using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The present study revealed the association of distinct endophytic bacterial communities with different parts of male and female plants. Roots of male and female plants had a higher bacterial diversity than other parts of plants, and the roots of male plants had more bacterial diversity than the roots of female plants. Endophytes belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria were abundant in all parts of male and female plants except male stems and fruit pulp, where the Firmicutes were most abundant. Class Gammaproteobacteria predominated in both male and female plants, with the genus Acinetobacter as the most dominant and part of the core microbiome of the plant (present in all parts of both, male and female plants). The presence of distinct taxa specific to male and female plants was also identified. Macrococcus, Facklamia, and Propionibacterium were the distinct genera found only in fruit pulp, the edible part of S. grosvenorii. Predictive functional analysis revealed the abundance of enzymes of secondary metabolite (especially mogroside) biosynthesis in the associated endophytic community with predominance in roots. The present study revealed bacterial endophytic communities of male and female S. grosvenorii plants that can be further explored for monk fruit cultivation, mogroside production, and early-stage identification of male and female plants. KEY POINTS: • Male and female Siraitia grosvenorii plants had distinct endophytic communities • The diversity of endophytic communities was specific to different parts of plants • S. grosvenorii-associated endophytes may be valuable for mogroside biosynthesis and monk fruit cultivation.
Topics: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Bacteria; Firmicutes; Endophytes; Crops, Agricultural
PubMed: 38427084
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13076-8 -
Arthritis Research & Therapy Jan 2024Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc...
BACKGROUND
Although cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is closely associated with neck pain, its cause remains unclear. In this study, an animal model of cervical disc degeneration and discogenic neck pain induced by a low concentration of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes-L) is investigated to explore the possible mechanisms of cervical discogenic pain.
METHODS
Cervical IVD degeneration and discitis was induced in 8-week-old male rats in C3-C6 IVDs through the anterior intervertebral puncture with intradiscal injections of low and high concentrations of P. acnes (P. acnes-L, n = 20 and P. acnes-H, n = 15) or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, n = 15), compared to control (injection with PBS, n = 20). The structural changes in the cervical IVD using micro-CT, histological evaluation, and gene expression assays after MRI scans at 2 and 6 weeks post-modeling. The P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration model was assessed for cervical spine MRI, histological degeneration, pain-like behaviors (guarding behavior and forepaw von Frey), nerve fiber growth in the IVD endplate region, and DRG TNF-α and CGRP.
RESULTS
IVD injection with P. acnes-L induced IVD degeneration with decreased IVD height and MRI T2 values. IVD injection with P. acnes-H and S. aureus both lead to discitis-like changes on T2-weighted MRI, trabecular bone remodeling on micro-CT, and osseous fusion after damage in the cartilage endplate adjacent to the injected IVD. Eventually, rats in the P. acnes-L group exhibited significant nociceptive hypersensitivity, nerve fiber ingrowth was observed in the IVD endplate region, inflammatory activity in the DRG was significantly increased compared to the control group, and the expression of the pain neurotransmitter CGRP was significantly upregulated.
CONCLUSION
P. acnes-L was validated to induce cervical IVD degeneration and discogenic pain phenotype, while P. acnes-H induced was identified to resemble septic discitis comparable to those caused by S. aureus infection.
Topics: Male; Rats; Animals; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Propionibacterium acnes; Discitis; Neck Pain; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Staphylococcus aureus; Intervertebral Disc; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38297365
DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03269-x -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Feb 2024The treatment of acne vulgaris is often challenging due to the antibiotic resistance frequently observed in Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes), a prevalent bacterium linked...
BACKGROUND
The treatment of acne vulgaris is often challenging due to the antibiotic resistance frequently observed in Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes), a prevalent bacterium linked to this condition.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research was to examine the impact of curcumin photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the survival of C.acnes and activity of biofilms produced by this microorganism.
METHODS
Following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, we assessed the drug sensitivity of 25 clinical C.acnes strains to five antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline) and curcumin by implementing the broth microdilution technique. In addition, we established C.acnes biofilms in a laboratory setting and subjected them to curcumin-PDT(curcumin combined with blue light of 180 J/cm). Afterwards, we evaluated their viability using the XTT assay and observed them using confocal laser scanning microscopy.
RESULTS
The result revealed varying resistance rates among the tested antibiotics and curcumin, with erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and curcumin exhibiting resistance rates of 72 %, 44 %, 36 %, 28 %, 0 %, and 100 %, respectively. In the curcumin-PDT inhibition tests against four representative antibiotic-resistant strains, it was found that the survival rate of all strains of planktonic C. acnes was reduced, and the higher the concentration of curcumin, the lower the survival rate. Furthermore, in the biofilm inhibition tests, the vitality and three-dimensional structure of the biofilms were disrupted, and the inhibitory effect became more significant with higher concentrations of curcumin.
CONCLUSION
The results emphasize the possibility of using curcumin PDT as an alternative approach for the treatment of C.acnes, especially in instances of antibiotic-resistant variations and infections related to biofilms.
Topics: Humans; Clindamycin; Doxycycline; Curcumin; Minocycline; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Photosensitizing Agents; Photochemotherapy; Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Erythromycin; Tetracycline; Biofilms; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 38070633
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103928 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023The presence of fungi in the indoor environment is associated with allergies and other respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to use sequencing and molecular...
The presence of fungi in the indoor environment is associated with allergies and other respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to use sequencing and molecular methods, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, to explore the bacterial and fungal communities and their abundance in the indoor environment of houses ( = 20) with visible "moldy" (HVM) and nonvisible "non-moldy" (HNM) in Memphis, TN, USA. Dust samples were collected from air vents and ground surfaces, and the total DNA was analyzed for bacteria and fungi by amplifying 16S rRNA and ITS genes on the Illumina Miseq. Results indicated that was the most abundant fungal genus present in the air vent and ground samples from HNM and HVM. At the same time, the most abundant bacterial genera in the air vent and ground samples were and . The fungi community diversity was significantly different in the air vent samples. The abundance of fungal species known to be associated with respiratory diseases in indoor dust samples was similar, regardless of the visibility of fungi in the houses. The existence of fungi associated with respiratory symptoms was compared with several parameters like dust particulate matter (PM), CO level, temperature, and humidity. Most of these parameters are either positively or negatively correlated with the existence of fungi associated with respiratory diseases; however, none of these correlations were significant at = 0.05. Our results indicate that implementing molecular methods for detecting indoor fungi may strengthen common exposure and risk assessment practices.
PubMed: 37623966
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081006 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Griseb. is a Balkan endemic species listed in The Red Data Book of Bulgaria with the conservation status "endangered". Successful micropropagation was achieved on MS...
Griseb. is a Balkan endemic species listed in The Red Data Book of Bulgaria with the conservation status "endangered". Successful micropropagation was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L benzyladenine (BA), followed by a subsequent ex vitro adaptation in an experimental field resulting in 92% regenerated plants. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), phenylethanoid glycosides (verbascoside, leucosceptoside A), phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid), iridoids (allobetonicoside and 8-OAc-harpagide), and alkaloids (trigonelline) were identified, characteristic of plants belonging to the genus . High antioxidant and radical scavenging activities were observed in both in situ and ex vitro acclimated plants, correlating with the reported high concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids in these variants. Ex vitro adapted plants also exhibited a well-defined anti-inflammatory potential, demonstrating high inhibitory activity against the complement system. Employing a disk diffusion method, a 100% inhibition effect was achieved compared to positive antibiotic controls against and , with moderate activity against . The induced in vitro and ex vitro model systems can enable the conservation of in nature and offer future opportunities for the targeted biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites, with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
PubMed: 38202340
DOI: 10.3390/plants13010030 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip... (Review)
Review
Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip is a storehouse of vitamins, including A, B complex, C, and E. Among phytonutrients, vitamin C is found in the highest amount. As rosehips contain significant levels of vitamin C, they are perfect candidates for the development of skincare formulations that can be effectively used in the treatment of different skin disorders (i.e., scarring, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, melasma, and atopic dermatitis). This research focuses on the vitamin C content of several sp. by their botanical and geographic origins, which according to research studies are in the following order: > > > , with lower levels in and , respectively. Among rosehip species, is the most extensively studied species which also displays significant amounts of bioactive compounds, but also antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities (e.g., against , and ). The investigation also highlights the use of rosehip extracts and oils to minimise the harmful effects of acne, which primarily affects teenagers in terms of their physical appearance (e.g., scarring, hyperpigmentation, imperfections), as well as their moral character (e.g., low self-confidence, bullying). Additionally, for higher vitamin C content from various rosehip species, the traditional (i.e., infusion, maceration, Soxhlet extraction) and contemporary extraction methods (i.e., supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extractions) are highlighted, finally choosing the best extraction method for increased bioactive compounds, with emphasis on vitamin C content. Consequently, the current research focuses on assessing the potential of rosehip extracts as medicinal agents against various skin conditions, and the use of rosehip concentrations in skincare formulations (such as toner, serum, lotion, and sunscreen). Up-to-date studies have revealed that rosehip extracts are perfect candidates as topical application products in the form of nanoemulsions. Extensive studies have revealed that rosehip extracts also exhibit specific activities against multiple skin disorders (i.e., wound healing, collagen synthesis, atopic dermatitis, melasma, and anti-aging effects). Overall, with multiple dermatological actions and efficacies, rosehip extracts and oils are promising agents that require a thorough investigation of their functioning processes to enable their safe use in the skincare industry.
PubMed: 38666029
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1390419