-
Biomolecules May 2024Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex inflammatory condition that can lead to systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organ dysfunction. This study investigates the...
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex inflammatory condition that can lead to systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organ dysfunction. This study investigates the role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, in modulating acquired immune responses in AP. Acute pancreatitis was induced by ligation of the bile-pancreatic duct in wild-type and Galectin-3-deficient C57BL/6 mice. We determined the phenotypic and molecular features of inflammatory cells, serum concentrations of amylase, pancreatic trypsin activity, and pancreatic and lung pathology. Galectin-3 deficiency decreased the total number of CD3CD49 T cells and CD4 T helper cells, downregulated the production of inflammatory cytokine and IFN-γ, and increased the accumulation of IL-10-producing Foxp3 T regulatory cells and regulatory CD4 T cells in the pancreata of diseased animals. The deletion of Galectin-3 ameliorates acute pancreatitis characterized by lowering serum amylase concentration and pancreatic trypsin activity, and attenuating of the histopathology of the lung. These findings shed light on the role of Galectin-3 in acquired immune response in acute pancreatitis and identify Galectin-3 as an attractive target for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of disease and for consideration as a potential therapeutic target for patients with acute inflammatory disease of the pancreas.
Topics: Animals; Pancreatitis; Galectin 3; Mice; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Acute Disease; Male; Amylases
PubMed: 38927046
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060642 -
World Journal of Microbiology &... Jun 2024Thermophilic actinomycetes are commonly found in extreme environments and can thrive and adapt to extreme conditions. These organisms exhibit substantial variation and...
Thermophilic actinomycetes are commonly found in extreme environments and can thrive and adapt to extreme conditions. These organisms exhibit substantial variation and garnered significant interest due to their remarkable enzymatic activities. This study evaluated the potential of Streptomyces griseorubens NBR14 and Nocardiopsis synnemataformans NBRM9 strains to produce thermo-stable amylase via submerged fermentation using wheat and bean straw. The Box-Behnken design was utilized to determine the optimum parameters for amylase biosynthesis. Subsequently, amylase underwent partial purification and characterization. Furthermore, the obtained hydrolysate was applied for ethanol fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The optimal parameters for obtaining the highest amylase activity by NBR14 (7.72 U/mL) and NBRM9 (26.54 U/mL) strains were found to be 40 and 30 °C, pH values of 7, incubation time of 7 days, and substrate concentration (3 and 2 g/100 mL), respectively. The NBR14 and NBRM9 amylase were partially purified, resulting in specific activities of 251.15 and 144.84 U/mg, as well as purification factors of 3.91 and 2.69-fold, respectively. After partial purification, the amylase extracted from NBR14 and NBRM9 showed the highest activity level at pH values of 9 and 7 and temperatures of 50 and 60 °C, respectively. The findings also indicated that the maximum velocity (V) for NBR14 and NBRM9 amylase were 57.80 and 59.88 U/mL, respectively, with K constants of 1.39 and 1.479 mM. After 48 h, bioethanol was produced at concentrations of 5.95 mg/mL and 9.29 mg/mL from hydrolyzed wheat and bean straw, respectively, through fermentation with S. cerevisiae. Thermophilic actinomycetes and their α-amylase yield demonstrated promising potential for sustainable bio-ethanol production from agro-byproducts.
Topics: Ethanol; Fermentation; Amylases; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Actinobacteria; Temperature; Triticum; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Hydrolysis; Streptomyces; Enzyme Stability
PubMed: 38926189
DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04009-8 -
Forensic Science International Jun 2024Determining the biological source of a stain can be important information for both investigators and the judiciary in criminal cases. Immunochromatographic assays are...
Determining the biological source of a stain can be important information for both investigators and the judiciary in criminal cases. Immunochromatographic assays are commonly used in forensic science for the identification of human biological material. It has previously been demonstrated that various environmental, thermal and chemical insults can affect the efficacy of ABAcard® HemaTrace® in the detection of human blood. In this study, the efficacy of three tests - ABAcard® HemaTrace®, ABAcard® p30, and RSID™-Saliva - was determined for the detection of blood, semen, and saliva respectively, after the fluids had been exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Each biological fluid was deposited on cotton swatches and exposed to infrared (IR) light using a 100 W heat lamp emitting IR light between 620 and 750 nm and heat of 32° for 24, 36 and 48 h. Cotton swatches bearing biological fluids were also buried in outdoor soil for 3, 4 and 5 weeks. To test common forensic scenarios where biological material may be exposed to solar light, samples were placed on a car bonnet and left for 24, 36 and 48 h. ABAcard® HemaTrace® was able to detect haemoglobin in blood that had been exposed to IR and solar light up to 48 h. False negative ABAcard® HemaTrace® results were obtained from 60 % of blood samples buried for 3 and 4 weeks, and 80 % of blood samples buried for 5 weeks. ABAcard® p30 was able to detect p30 in semen that had been exposed to IR and solar light up to 48 h, except for one false negative after 48 h of IR exposure. False negative ABAcard® p30 results were obtained from all semen samples buried for 3, 4 and 5 weeks. RSID™-Saliva was able to detect α-amylase in saliva in all instances, with no false negative results observed. The findings from this study highlight the need to consider the context in which human blood, semen and saliva are found when reporting on negative immunoassay results.
PubMed: 38924941
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112106 -
Journal of the Science of Food and... Jun 2024Kombucha is a widely consumed fermented beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dynamic nature of microbial...
BACKGROUND
Kombucha is a widely consumed fermented beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dynamic nature of microbial communities in SCOBY may pose challenges to production scale-up due to unpredictable variations in microbial composition. Using identified starter strains is a novel strategy to control microorganism composition, thereby ensuring uniform fermentation quality across diverse batches. However, challenges persist in the cultivation and maintenance of these microbial strains. This study examined the potential of microencapsulated kombucha fermentation starter cultures, specifically Komagataeibacter saccharivorans, Levilactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, through spray-drying and freeze-drying.
RESULTS
Maltodextrin and gum arabic-maltodextrin were employed as carrier agents. Our results revealed that both spray-dried and freeze-dried samples adhered to physicochemical criteria, with low moisture content (2.18-7.75%) and relatively high solubility (65.75-87.03%) which are appropriate for food application. Freeze-drying demonstrated greater effectiveness in preserving bacterial strain viability (88.30-90.21%) compared to spray drying (74.92-78.66%). Additionally, the freeze-dried starter strains demonstrated similar efficacy in facilitating kombucha fermentation, compared to the SCOBY group. The observations included pH reduction, acetic acid production, α-amylase inhibition and elevated total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Moreover, the biological activity, including antioxidant potential and in vitro tyrosinase inhibition activity, was enhanced in the same pattern. The freeze-dried strains exhibited consistent kombucha fermentation capabilities over a three-month preservation, regardless of storage temperature at 30 or 4 °C.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight the suitability of freeze-dried starter cultures for kombucha production, enable microbial composition control, mitigate contamination risks and ensure consistent product quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PubMed: 38924118
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13697 -
Journal of the Science of Food and... Jun 2024Surfactin, usually produced by microbial metabolism, has many advantages including low toxicity, high biodegradability, and stability at extreme pH levels and...
Isolation of a surfactin-producing strain of Bacillus subtilis and evaluation of the probiotic potential and antioxidant activity of surfactin from fermented soybean meal.
BACKGROUND
Surfactin, usually produced by microbial metabolism, has many advantages including low toxicity, high biodegradability, and stability at extreme pH levels and temperatures, making it suitable for industry. However, its commercial production has not yet been achieved.
RESULTS
A strain with a strong surfactin-producing ability was isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis SOPC5, based on the appearance of colonies, microscopic observation, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The isolate exhibited significant tolerance to acid, bile, gastric, and intestinal juices, and was sufficiently susceptible to antibiotics. Bacillus subtilis SOPC5 showed high levels of auto-aggregation and surface hydrophobicity, and a strong capacity to secrete protease, amylase, and cellulase. The strain also exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus 10 306 with a antibacterial circle diameter of 18.0 ± 1.1 mm. The maximal yield of surfactin (1.32 mg mL) was obtained by fermenting soybean meal (SBM) using the isolate under the following conditions: SBM 86 g L, inoculation 1.5 × 10 CFU mL, FeSO 1.2 mg L, MnSO 2.6 mg L, MgSO 0.5 mg mL, L-Glu 4 mg L, temperature 33 °C, duration 120 h, and shaking at 210 rpm. The purity of surfactin was 97.42% as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The half inhibitory concentration (IC) values for surfactin to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS·) were 1.275 ± 0.11 and 0.73 ± 0.08 mg mL, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a scientific basis for the application of B. subtilis SOPC5 (as a potential probiotic) and the preparation of its metabolic product (surfactin). © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PubMed: 38922941
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13674 -
Pancreatico-renal fistula associated with pancreatic cysts caused by type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis.Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology Jun 2024To our best knowledge, the formation of a pancreatico-renal fistula and the presence of pancreatic fluid collection in the renal subcapsular space have not been reported...
To our best knowledge, the formation of a pancreatico-renal fistula and the presence of pancreatic fluid collection in the renal subcapsular space have not been reported as autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) complications. We describe a case of a pancreatico-renal fistula associated with type 1 AIP. The patient presented with abdominal and back pain accompanied by pancreatic cystic lesions during an untreated course of AIP. The diagnosis of pancreatico-renal fistula was based on the presence of a left renal subcapsular fluid collection containing pancreatic amylase, disappearance of pancreatic cysts, and a defect in the partial anterior renal fascia observed on imaging studies. Treatment with steroids and percutaneous drainage resulted in improvement. Pancreatic pseudocysts can affect other organs owing to their digestive action. Similar symptoms may occur in patients with AIP.
PubMed: 38922496
DOI: 10.1007/s12328-024-02008-8 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024Many anuran amphibians deposit their eggs in foam nests, biostructures that help protect the eggs and tadpoles from predators. Currently, there are no other...
Many anuran amphibians deposit their eggs in foam nests, biostructures that help protect the eggs and tadpoles from predators. Currently, there are no other identification and description studies of the cultivable microbiota role in the nests of the Leptodactylid frogs such as Physalaemus cuvieri, Leptodactylus vastus and Adenomera hylaedactyla. This study aimed to isolate and identify the culturable bacteria from these three anuran species' nests, as well as to prospect enzymes produced by this microbiota. Foam nests samples and environmental samples were diluted and viable cell count was determined. Bacterial morphotypes from foam nest samples were isolated through spread plate technique. Isolates' DNAs were extracted followed by rRNA 16S gene amplification and Sanger sequencing. To evaluate their enzymatic potential, the isolates were cultured in ATGE medium supplemented with starch (0.1% w/v), gelatin (3% w/v) and skimmed milk (1% w/v), to verify amylase and protease activity. A total of 183 bacterial morphotypes were isolated, comprising 33 bacterial genera. Proteobacteria phylum was the most abundant in all the three nests (79%). The genera Pseudomonas and Aeromonas were the most abundant taxon in P. cuvieri and L. vastus. In A. Hylaedactyla, were Enterobacter and Bacillus. Regarding enzymatic activities, 130 isolates displayed protease activity and 45 isolates were positive for amylase activity. Our results provide unprecedented information concerning culturable bacterial microbiota of the foam nests of the Leptodactylid frogs, as well as their potential for biomolecules of biotechnological interest.
Topics: Animals; Anura; Bacteria; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Nesting Behavior; Microbiota; DNA, Bacterial
PubMed: 38922194
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.280884 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024is the main pathogen of chicken necrotic enteritis (NE) causing huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Although dietary secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid...
is the main pathogen of chicken necrotic enteritis (NE) causing huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Although dietary secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA) reduced chicken NE, the accumulation of conjugated tauro-DCA (TDCA) raised concerns regarding DCA efficacy. In this study, we aimed to deconjugate TDCA by bile salt hydrolase (BSH) to increase DCA efficacy against the NE pathogen . Assays were conducted to evaluate the inhibition of growth, hydrogen sulfide (HS) production, and virulence gene expression by TDCA and DCA. BSH activity and sequence alignment were conducted to select the gene for cloning. The gene from was PCR-amplified and cloned into plasmids pET-28a (pET-BSH) and pDR111 (pDR-BSH) for expressing the BSH protein in BL21 and 168 (BSH), respectively. His-tag-purified BSH from BL21 cells was evaluated by SDS-PAGE, Coomassie blue staining, and a Western blot (WB) assays. Secretory BSH from was analyzed by a Dot-Blot. -BSH was evaluated for the inhibition of growth. growth reached 7.8 log10 CFU/mL after 24 h culture. growth was at 8 vs. 7.4, 7.8 vs. 2.6 and 6 vs. 0 log10 CFU/mL in 0.2, 0.5, and 1 mM TDCA vs. DCA, respectively. Compared to TDCA, DCA reduced HS production and the virulence gene expression of , , , and . BSH activity was observed in and under anaerobe but not under 10% CO air. After the sequence alignment of from ten bacteria, from was selected, cloned into pET-BSH, and sequenced at 951 bp. After pET-BSH was transformed in BL21, BSH expression was assessed around 35 kDa using Coomassie staining and verified for His-tag using WB. After the subcloned and amylase signal peptide sequence was inserted into pDR-BSH, was transformed and named -BSH. The transformation was evaluated using PCR with around 3 kb and BSH around 5 kb. Secretory BSH expressed from -BSH was determined for His-tag using Dot-Blot. Importantly, growth was reduced greater than 59% log10 CFU/mL in the -BSH media precultured with 1 vs. 0 mM TDCA. In conclusion, TDCA was less potent than DCA against virulence, and recombinant secretory BSH from -BSH reduced growth, suggesting a new potential intervention against the pathogen-induced chicken NE.
PubMed: 38921762
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060464 -
Marine Drugs May 2024In this research, the chemical compositions of various extracts obtained from , a type of green seaweed collected from the Nador lagoon in the northern region of...
In this research, the chemical compositions of various extracts obtained from , a type of green seaweed collected from the Nador lagoon in the northern region of Morocco, were compared. Their antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties were also studied. Using GC-MS technology, the fatty acid content of the samples was analyzed, revealing that palmitic acid, eicosenoic acid, and linoleic acid were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids present in all samples. The HPLC analysis indicated that sinapic acid, naringin, rutin, quercetin, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, apigenin, flavone, and flavanone were the most prevalent phenolic compounds. The aqueous extract obtained by maceration showed high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, with values of 379.67 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g and 212.11 ± 0.11 mg QE/g, respectively. This extract also exhibited an impressive ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, as indicated by its IC value of 0.095 ± 0.12 mg/mL. Additionally, the methanolic extract obtained using the Soxhlet method demonstrated antioxidant properties by preventing β-carotene discoloration, with an IC of 0.087 ± 0.14 mg/mL. Results from in-vitro studies showed that extracts from were able to significantly inhibit the enzymatic activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among the various extracts, methanolic extract (S) has been identified as the most potent inhibitor, exhibiting a statistically similar effect to that of acarbose. Furthermore, molecular docking models were used to evaluate the interaction between the primary phytochemicals found in these extracts and the human pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. These findings suggest that extracts contain bioactive substances that are capable of reducing enzyme activity more effectively than the commercially available drug, acarbose.
Topics: Hypoglycemic Agents; Antioxidants; Ulva; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; alpha-Amylases; alpha-Glucosidases; Molecular Docking Simulation; Morocco; Humans; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Polyphenols; Flavonoids; Edible Seaweeds
PubMed: 38921551
DOI: 10.3390/md22060240 -
Metabolites May 2024(Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I. Wood is widely distributed throughout Africa. It is used ethnobotanically to treat various diseases. However, the metabolic profile of the...
(Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I. Wood is widely distributed throughout Africa. It is used ethnobotanically to treat various diseases. However, the metabolic profile of the species is not well characterized and the metabolites that are responsible for the bioactivity of this plant remain unknown. Therefore, there is a need to determine the phytochemical and bioactivity profile to identify metabolites that contribute to the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferation activity, including the genotoxicity and cytotoxic effects, of . The study is aimed at exploring the metabolomic profile antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferation activity, as well as the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects, of constituents of . The compounds in the extract were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS), and the resultant data were further analyzed using a molecular networking approach. The crude stem bark and root extracts showed the highest antidiabetic activity against α-amylase at the lowest test concentration of 62.5 µg/mL, with 74.53 ± 0.74% and 79.1 ± 1.5% inhibition, respectively. However, the crude stem bark and root extracts showed the highest antidiabetic activity against α-glucosidase at the lowest test concentration of 31.3 µg/mL, with 98.20 ± 0.15% and 97.98 ± 0.22% inhibition, respectively. The crude methanol leaf extract showed a decrease in the nitrite concentration at the highest concentration of 200 µg/mL, with cell viability of 90.34 ± 2.21%, thus showing anti-inflammatory activity. No samples showed significant cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 10 µg/mL against HeLa cells. Furthermore, a molecular network of species using UPLC-QTOF-MS with negative mode electrospray ionization showed the presence of organic oxygen compounds, lipids, benzenoids, phenylpropanoids and polyketides. These compound classes were differentially distributed in the three different plant parts, indicating the chemical differences between the stem bark, root and leaf extracts of Therefore, the identified compounds may contribute to the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity of . The stem bark, root and leaf extracts of yielded thirteen compounds identified for the first time in this plant, offering a promising avenue for the discovery of new lead drugs for the treatment of diabetes and inflammation. The use of molecular networking produced a detailed phytochemical overview of this species. The results reported in this study show the importance of searching for bioactive compounds from and provide new insights into the phytochemical characterization and bioactivity of different plant parts of .
PubMed: 38921427
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060291