Cell Wall Constituents Research Articles

Influence of bioprocessing treatments on phytochemical and functional properties, in vitro digestibility, protein secondary structure and morphological characteristics of Indian barnyard millet flour

SummaryThe objective of the present investigation was to assess the effects of different bioprocessing treatments on Indian barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) at preliminary optimised conditions including soaking (12 h at 25 °C), germination (48 h at 25 °C), lactic acid fermentation (20 h at 38 °C) and combination of aforesaid treatments. Anti‐nutritional factors were significantly (P < 0.05) lowered (5–70% reduction) during different treatments. Enhanced enzymatic activity further resulted in liberation of bound phytochemical compounds (phenolic acid and flavonoids) in addition to their synthesis, which enhanced the antioxidant potential by several folds. Variation in the hydrophobic‐hydrophilic characteristics of barnyard millet flour during given treatments modified the techno‐functionality in terms of hydration properties, surface characteristics, gelation and tristimulus colour parameters. In vitro starch and protein digestibility were significantly (P < 0.05) improved from 6.49 to 23.65 mg maltose released per 100 g and 72.21 to 80.48 g hydrolysed protein per 100 g, respectively. Morphological changes as revealed by scanning electron microscopy showed that bioprocessing of barnyard millet flour disrupted the starch‐protein matrix, cell wall constituents and starch‐fibre association which made the protein and starch molecules susceptible to in vitro digestibility conditions. Further, Pearson’s correlation matrix was employed to determine the relationship among different observations.

Absolute abundance values reveal microbial shifts and co-occurrence patterns during gut microbiota fermentation of dietary fibres in vitro

The compositional alterations of human colonic microbiota when fermenting dietary fibres (DF) have been well studied. However, there is a challenge in quantifying microbiota responses to DF in absolute terms, and thus the extents to which these microbes grow on diverse DF are unclear. This study aimed to compare relative and absolute abundance datasets, to investigate how human faecal microbiota altered during the in vitro fermentation of arabinoxylan, mixed-linkage beta-glucan and bacterial cellulose (representing major wheat cell wall constituents), and a physical mixture of the three. Different microbial shifts occurred per DF, where the absolute abundance of total bacteria was observed to peak at 12 h, while this trend was not observed for the relative abundance data. The DF mixtures more efficiently supported microbial growth than the individual components. Additionally, the absolute abundance of the genera Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Anaerostipes and the Eubacterium hallii group positively correlated to butyrate production, but no significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found based on the relative abundance data. While 95 genera were common to the DF types, interestingly, their co-occurrence patterns in absolute terms vastly differed, with 45.6% specific edges unique to the BC co-occurrence network. Therefore, applying absolute quantification is recommended for experiments focusing on how microbiota respond to DF.

In-Silico Validation of Prosopis ciniraria Therapeutic Peptides Against Fungal Cell Wall: Better Treatment Strategy for Fungal Diseases.

Prosopis cineraria commonly known as Druce are valuable herb that holds antibacterial role, antifungal properties. We identified different peptides from this plant by deploying CADD (Computer-aided-drug-designing) approaches, these peptide sequences are as follows seq1 (RHDEEEEKAKV),seq3(KSNSTVEISQNVQSVDSSKM),seq4(KQVAEMNKPAVGSKTSDANHDLKS),seq5(KTKSAGNDSIQSTKPVPSALTVDKA),seq6(RELEDSNIHHVAASVVLESKSSRT), and seq8(LYSKVELHPFGLHNLGNSCYANAVFSV), these peptides holds therapeutic properties as shows interaction with chitin, a major constituent of fungal cell wall. Molecular docking was conducted by using AutoDock-Vina tool and the results were found to be promising where all binding energies were found in the range of − 9.1 to − 7.5 kcal/mol, it indicates strong binding of peptide sequences with chitin molecule. Even the toxicity analysis supports the considered peptide sequences to hold therapeutic role against fungus with non-toxic effect on humans. These peptides were successfully predicted as important therapeutic agents of P. cinerariaseed that can initiate chitin breakdown, due to their possible strong interaction with fungal cell wall and it also suggests this medicinal plant holds the key for multiple fungal disease treatments. This study will open new research dimensions and integration of computational biology with microbial pathology that will assist scientific and medical community to develop rapid disease prevention strategies against fungal pathogenesis.

Differential Response of Two Tomato Genotypes, Wild Type cv. Ailsa Craig and Its ABA-Deficient Mutant flacca to Short-Termed Drought Cycles.

Two tomato genotypes with constitutively different ABA level, flacca mutant and wild type of Ailsa Craig cv. (WT), were subjected to three repeated drought cycles, with the aim to reveal the role of the abscisic acid (ABA) threshold in developing drought tolerance. Differential responses to drought of two genotypes were obtained: more pronounced stomatal closure, ABA biosynthesis and proline accumulation in WT compared to the mutant were compensated by dry weight accumulation accompanied by transient redox disbalance in flacca. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis of isolated cell wall material and morphological parameter measurements on tomato leaves indicated changes in dry weight accumulation and carbon re-allocation to cell wall constituents in flacca, but not in WT. A higher proportion of cellulose, pectin and lignin in isolated cell walls from flacca leaves further increased with repeated drought cycles. Different ABA-dependent stomatal closure between drought cycles implies that acquisition of stomatal sensitivity may be a part of stress memory mechanism developed under given conditions. The regulatory role of ABA in the cell wall restructuring and growth regulation under low leaf potential was discussed with emphasis on the beneficial effects of drought priming in developing differential defense strategies against drought.

Potential of waste flowers used as feed additive on the performance of goat kids

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of temple waste flowers as feed additive on the growth of goat kids. Marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers constituted the bulk of WFs with negligible red roses (Rosa indica L). Marigold flowers as compared to rose flowers contained high (P&lt;0.01) total phenols and flavonoids; and low (P&lt;0.01) anthocyanins, saponins and vitamin C content. The in vitro studies revealed that the supplementation of WFs at 3 and 5% improved (P&lt;0.01) digestibility of nutrients and VFAs production as compared to control. NGP at t½ increased (P&lt;0.05) linearly up to 4% WFs supplementation and methane production decreased (P&lt;0.05) at all levels of supplementation. Fifteen Beetal goat kids divided into three equal groups were fed TMR, or TMR supplemented with WFs at 3 or 5% of DM intake for 90 days. The daily DM consumed by the animals was similar in all the groups. The digestibility of proximate constituents at 3% level of WF was comparable with control TMR, but depressed (P&lt;0.05) at 5% level of supplementation. The digestibility of cell wall constituents and N retention were not affected by WF supplementation. The average daily gain in weight was improved considerably. It was concluded that bio-active compounds present in WFs reduced the methane emission, resulting in improvement in nutrient utilization and growth of goat kids.

Using In vitro Technique to evaluation adding Nano cobalt to some roughages

This paper is evaluating the addition of nanocobalt on dry matter, organic matter, cel-lulose and hemicellulose degradability of In-vitro gases technique. Nanocobalt as an addi-tive were used as 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125% from the animal requirements on DM basis. The regular ration (1:1 concentrate: clover hay) was incubated for 24 hours. Then 24 and 48 hours of dry matter, organic matter, cellu-lose and hemicellulose were used to research the impact of adding 25 and 50% nanocobalt to some roughages (rice, bean, wheat, bagasse and peanut) straws using In-vitro disappear-ance. Results of In-vitro gas indicated that the DMD degradability values were increased (P<0.05) in 50 and 75 %, while the highest of OMD was in 25 and 50 % of nanocobalt. The nanocobalt had no effect on pH, but had a greater influence on the values of ammonia and TVF’s, as well as the degradability of cell wall components with microbial proteins. In control ration, the gas production was high, adding cobalt (100 %) and nanocobalt (25 and 50 %) than other of addition. High values of microbial protein (MP) and microbial protein efficiency (EMP) recorded for all different nanocobalt added. Nanocobalt 25% output gas of DM, NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellu-lose showed increase (P<0.05) compared to any additional levels. It concluded that the ad-dition of nanocobalt increased the production of gas, ammonia, TVF’s, metabolizable energy and degradability of cell wall constituents. It showed that the addition of nanocobalt had a stronger effect on disappearance of all roughages as DM, OM, NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose. Furthermore, the addition of 25% nanocobalt had a significant effect (P<0.05) on improving In-vitro DM and OM disappearance of all roughages except bagasse had a significant effect in add 50 % nanoco-balt.

AN EXHAUSTIVE REVIEW ON EMERGING DRUG TARGETS OF TUBERCULOSIS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON CELL WALL SYNTHESIS

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of mortality and morbidity. Worldwide, yet, it has been over 60 years since a novel drug was introduced in market to treat the disease exclusively. Increased number of drug resistant TB cases has prompted the search for novel potent anti-TB drug. Mycobacterial cell wall has unique structure which provides integrity to the cell. The future development of new potent anti-TB drug targets is associated with the synthesis of various cell wall constituents; the structural and genetic information about mycobacterial cell wall envelope is now available. In the present review, we have focused on prospective drug targets that can be optimum triumph for successful drug candidate.

Mushroom-derived polysaccharides as antitumor and anticancer agent: A concise review

Nowadays, mushrooms with enhanced medicinal properties are being focused on finding such compounds that could modulate the immune systems of the human body. Mushrooms are extensively known for their antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties owing to the presence of various bioactive components. However, a few of them are characterized and reported so far. Various polysaccharides, including β-glucans, are the principal constituent of the mushroom cell wall and play a significant role in their biological activity. This review aimed to focus on a concise report on the extraction process of the active ingredients from a mushroom with some therapeutic applications. Here, we have briefly described the medicinal properties of some commonly used mushroom extracts or their derivatives. It is interesting to note that mushroom is a potential source of many bioactive products that boost immunity. Thus, the development of functional medicinal food is essential for human welfare.

The placenta of Physcomitrium patens: transfer cell wall polymers compared across the three bryophyte groups.

Following similar studies of cell wall constituents in the placenta of Phaeoceros and Marchantia, we conducted immunogold labeling TEM studies of Physcomitrium patens to determine the composition of cell wall polymers in transfer cells on both sides of the placenta. 16 monoclonal antibodies were used to localize cell wall epitopes in the basal walls and wall ingrowths in this moss. In general, placental transfer cell walls of P. patens contain fewer pectins and far fewer AGPs than those of the hornwort and liverwort. P. patens also lacks the differential labeling that is pronounced between generations in the other bryophytes. In contrast, transfer cell walls on either side of the placenta of P. patens are relatively similar in composition with slight variation in HG pectins. Compositional similarities between wall ingrowths and primary cell walls in P. patens suggest that wall ingrowths may simply be extensions of the primary cell wall. Considerable variability in occurrence, abundance, and types of polymers among the three bryophytes and between the two generations suggests that similarity in function and morphology of cell walls does not require a common cell wall composition. We propose that the specific developmental and life history traits of these plants may provide even more important clues in understanding the basis for these differences. This study significantly builds on our knowledge of cell wall composition in bryophytes in general and transfer cells across plants.

Sorption behavior and swelling of citric acid and sorbitol (SorCA) treated wood

Abstract Citric acid together with sorbitol (SorCA) have been used to modify wood and improve its properties, such as dimensional stability and biological durability, which partly result from its swelling and sorption behavior. However, the underlying mechanism of water interaction with SorCA-treated wood is very complex and not fully understood. Previous research confirmed cell wall bulking and suggested cross-linking, however the extent of their contribution to moisture-induced changes has not been researched. This study investigated the effect of SorCA treatment on sorption properties of wood in the hygroscopic range (0–95% RH). Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris L.) was chemically modified with an aqueous SorCA solution at different treatment levels and measured by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). The observed permanent increase in oven-dry dimensions did not result in a decreased swelling compared to untreated specimens. It was ascribed to the excessive expansion of cell wall matrix caused by a degradation of cell wall constituents by the acidic impregnation solution. However, a reduction in moisture content in comparison to untreated reference was detected. Present findings suggest that the SorCA polyester structure is altered after impregnation inside the wood and affects its sorption behavior by covalent bonding and, presumably, cross-linking with wood polymer constituents.

Baby corn production and utilization of remaining fodder in total mixed ration of buffalo calves

This study was taken up to find out suitable maize variety cultivated with or without fertilizer for baby corn ear production and evaluation of leftover fodder/green stalks as livestock feed. Experiment-1: Six varieties of hybrid maize [PMH-1 grain (V1), Bulland (V2), African Tall (V4), Dekalb 7074 Monsanto (V5), Proagro 4640 (V6), Egyptian variety G-5414 (V7)] and one composite maize variety J1006 (V3) were cultivated without fertilizer (F1), with either Azotobacter treated seed (F2), recommended dose of fertilizer (F3), or F2 + F3 (F4) at the University Farm. Experiment-2: The leftover fodder of the best baby corn hybrid variety and that from V3 were evaluated in total mixed ration (TMR) as feed for buffalo calves. In Experiment-1 the weight of edible cob without husk and fodder yield were the highest (P&lt;0.01) in V2. The in vitro net gas production, digestibility of nutrients and ME availability from the fodder was the highest in V7 comparable to V2, but higher than other varieties. The fodder from baby corn G-5414 was considered as the best. In Experiment-2 the chemical composition and in vitro evaluation of TMRs containing either conventional maize fodder (TMR-1; J-1006) or baby corn fodder (TMR-2; Baby corn G-5414) were comparable. Both the TMRs were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. The digestibility of proximate and a cell wall constituent was considerably higher in calves fed TMR-2 than those fed TMR-1. The efficiency of nitrogen utilization, blood profile and excretion of purine derivatives in the urine were comparable in both groups. It was concluded that fresh baby corn fodder can be utilized efficiently by the ruminants without any adverse effect on the health of animals.

Plasma 1,3-β-d-glucan levels predict adverse clinical outcomes in critical illness.

BACKGROUNDThe fungal cell wall constituent 1,3-β-d-glucan (BDG) is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern that can stimulate innate immunity. We hypothesized that BDG from colonizing fungi in critically ill patients may translocate into the systemic circulation and be associated with host inflammation and outcomes.METHODSWe enrolled 453 mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) without invasive fungal infection and measured BDG, innate immunity, and epithelial permeability biomarkers in serially collected plasma samples.RESULTSCompared with healthy controls, patients with ARF had significantly higher BDG levels (median [IQR], 26 pg/mL [15–49 pg/mL], P < 0.001), whereas patients with ARF with high BDG levels (≥40 pg/mL, 31%) had higher odds for assignment to the prognostically adverse hyperinflammatory subphenotype (OR [CI], 2.88 [1.83–4.54], P < 0.001). Baseline BDG levels were predictive of fewer ventilator-free days and worse 30-day survival (adjusted P < 0.05). Integrative analyses of fungal colonization and epithelial barrier disruption suggested that BDG may translocate from either the lung or gut compartment. We validated the associations between plasma BDG and host inflammatory responses in 97 hospitalized patients with COVID-19.CONCLUSIONBDG measurements offered prognostic information in critically ill patients without fungal infections. Further research in the mechanisms of translocation and innate immunity recognition and stimulation may offer new therapeutic opportunities in critical illness.FUNDINGUniversity of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute, COVID-19 Pilot Award and NIH grants (K23 HL139987, U01 HL098962, P01 HL114453, R01 HL097376, K24 HL123342, U01 HL137159, R01 LM012087, K08HK144820, F32 HL142172, K23 GM122069).

Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of pMDC140 Plasmid Containing the Wheatwin2 Gene into the Tadong Rice Genome

Blast disease resulting from Magnaporthe oryzae fungal infection reduces annual rice yield by up to 30% globally. The wheatwin2 (wwin2) is a pathogenesis-related (PR) gene that encodes for a PR-4 protein with chitinase properties that is capable of degrading chitin, a major constituent of certain fungal cell walls. However, the potential for wwin2 to contribute to M. oryzae resistance in rice is unclear. This study reports the construction of a pMDC140 vector carrying the wwin2 gene and its Agrobacterium-mediated transformation into the Tadong rice genome. In brief, the wwin2 gene was synthesized and integrated into a pMDC140 vector using Gateway cloning technology and was transformed into the Tadong rice genome. Our results show a promising high transformation rate, with more than 90% of the transformed rice calli expressing β-glucuronidase (GUS), the reporter gene marker. The expression of the wwin2 gene in transformed rice calli was further confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, a pMDC140-wwin2 vector was constructed, which had a high transformation rate and could consistently induce expression of the GUS and wwin2 genes in Tadong rice. Data of this study is beneficial for subsequent in vitro and M. oryzae-infected field experiments to confirm the defense mechanism of the wwin2 gene towards blast disease in rice.

Azo-Dyes-Grafted Oligosaccharides-From Synthesis to Applications.

Azobenzenes are photochromic molecules that possess a large range of applications. Their syntheses are usually simple and fast, and their purifications can be easy to perform. Oligosaccharide is also a wide family of biopolymer constituted of linear chain of saccharides. It can be extracted from biomass, as for cellulose, being the principal constituent of plant cell wall, or it can be enzymatically produced as for cyclodextrins, having properties not far from cellulose. Combining these two materials families can afford interesting applications such as controlled drug-release systems, photochromic liquid crystals, photoresponsive films or even fluorescent indicators. This review will compile the different syntheses of azo-dyes-grafted oligosaccharides, and will show their various applications.

The Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana and Paullinia pinnata Linn Exert Inhibitory Effect on Escherichia coli Through Membrane Permeabilization, Loss of Intracellular Material, and DNA Fragmentation

Background: Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana and Paullinia pinnata Linn are widely used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat infectious diseases. These plants were found to be a reservoir of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents and have the potential to be used in clinic. Objective: To determine the mechanism of action of the ethanolic leaves extracts of Dissotis multiflora and Paullinia pinnata on Escherichia coli. Methodology: The microbroth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of D. multiflora and P. pinnata ethanolic leaves extracts. The above samples were tested for their rate of killing of E. coli cells at 1 MIC and 2 MICs. Sorbitol protection, outer membrane permeability, loss of 260-nm-absorbing material, fluorescence microscopy, and DNA degradation assay were used to examine the ultrastructural changes in bacteria induced by the extracts. Results: D. multiflora and P. pinnata extracts inhibited bacterial growth with MICs of 390.62 and 781.25 µg/mL respectively, while the MBCs values were found to be 781.25 and 1562.5 µg/mL respectively. Treatment with extracts had shorter kill-time in a time-dependent manner with effect most pronounced at 2 MICs than 1 MIC. The MIC of D. multiflora increased 4x from 390.62 µg/mL after 24 h of incubation to 1562.5 µg/mL after 7 days in the presence of an osmoprotectant indicating the inhibition of synthesis of cell wall constituents. P. pinnata had no effect on cell wall. Both extracts exhibited the greatest leakage and release of DNA materials at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min in concentration-dependent manner. Treated groups had higher values than control. At low concentrations (1/2 MIC and 1 MIC), these extracts effectively permeate the intact outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Both extract were implicated in DNA fragmentation. Moreover, fluorescent cells observed further confirmed its inhibitory effect against the tested pathogen. The antibacterial action involved disruption of membrane potential, increase of membrane permeabilization, leakage of cellular material, and death suggesting them to be an alternative to antibiotics. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the understanding of the antibacterial inhibitory effect of D. multiflora and P. pinnata. &#x0D;

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes of Flooding-Tolerant and Flooding-Sensitive Rapeseeds Differentially Respond to Flooding at the Germination Stage.

Flooding results in significant crop yield losses due to exposure of plants to hypoxic stress. Various studies have reported the effect of flooding stress at seedling establishment or later stages. However, the molecular mechanism prevailing at the germination stage under flooding stress remains enigmatic. The present study highlights the comparative transcriptome analysis in two rapeseed lines, i.e., flooding-tolerant (Santana) and -sensitive (23651) lines under control and 6-h flooding treatments at the germination stage. A total of 1840 up-regulated and 1301 down-regulated genes were shared by both lines in response to flooding. There were 4410 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with increased expression and 4271 DEGs with reduced expression shared in both control and flooding conditions. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that “transcription regulation”, “structural constituent of cell wall”, “reactive oxygen species metabolic”, “peroxidase”, oxidoreductase”, and “antioxidant activity” were the common processes in rapeseed flooding response. In addition, the processes such as “hormone-mediated signaling pathway”, “response to organic substance response”, “motor activity”, and “microtubule-based process” are likely to confer rapeseed flooding resistance. Mclust analysis clustered DEGs into nine modules; genes in each module shared similar expression patterns and many of these genes overlapped with the top 20 DEGs in some groups. This work provides a comprehensive insight into gene responses and the regulatory network in rapeseed flooding stress and provides guidelines for probing the underlying molecular mechanisms in flooding resistance.

Antitubercular Potential of Novel Isoxazole Encompassed 1, 2, 4- Triazoles: Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking Study and Evaluation of Antitubercular Activity

Background: Decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose epimerase (DprE1), a flavoprotein enzyme engaged in the biosynthesis of decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-arabinofuranose (DPA), is the only contributor of arabinose residues which is fundamental for the mycobacterium cell wall constituents. DprE1 is an interesting target for antitubercular agent and has been exploring to develop potential chemical entities as antitubercular agents. Objective: The objective of the study is the development of novel antitubercular agents targeting Mtb Decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose epimerase (DprE1). Methods: A series of isoxazole encompassed 1, 2, 4-triazoles were designed based on the antitubercular potential of triazoles and structural features of DprE1 inhibitors. Designed 1, 2, 4- triazoles were synthesized and characterized by spectral studies. The in vitro anti-TB activity of the compounds was screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain by Microplate Almar Blue Assay and in vitro cytotoxicity against normal cell lines by MTT assay. Molecular docking study was carried out on DprE1 enzyme to understand designed compounds interactions with amino acid residues at the active site. Results: Antitubercular activity data revealed that eight compounds (6d, 6e,7d, 7e, 10d, 10e, 11d and 11e) have shown promising antitubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration at 1.6μg/mL. Cytotoxicity data of anti-TB active compounds demonstrate good safety profile on normal cell lines. Conclusion: Eight compounds have shown promising antitubercular activity with good safety profile on normal cell lines. Molecular docking study revealed that the synthesized compounds have shown non-covalent interactions with amino acid residues of DprE1 enzyme.

The Effects of S-Allyl Cysteıne on Inflammatory Cascade in Lipopolysaccharide Induced Rat Sepsis Model

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a main constituent of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls and is considered a leading cause of sepsis. S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a water-soluble organosulfur component present in garlic which has a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger activity. The purpose of this study is to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of SAC on endotoxin LPS-induced sepsis. Female Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups. LPS (5 mg/kg) was applied to rats in sepsis and treatment groups intraperitoneally. After 24 hours from LPS injection 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg SAC was orally administrated to treatment groups. Lung and liver 18F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake was measured by 18FDG-PET scan. Serum levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κβ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), plasma levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tissue levels of oxidative stress markers catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined. As a result of the study, MDA and NO levels of sepsis group were significantly higher than treatment groups in lung tissue. SOD activities of sepsis group was determined to significantly lower in the liver and lung tissues than the groups which were treated with SAC. Likewise, it was concluded that serum MMP-9, TNF-α and NF-κβ levels of sepsis group was significantly higher compared to levels of treatment groups. It was determined that SAC administration reduced 18F-FDG uptake in septic rats. In conclusion, SAC was observed to diminish effects of the acute toxicity and oxidative stress formed with LPS.

Probiotics for prevention of acute respiratory infections in children: therapeutic potential.

Acute respiratory viral infections represent a group of clinically, pathomorphologically similar acute inflammatory respiratory diseases that manifest by fever, a runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, a general feeling of ill health of varying severity. Activation of latent, persistent infections of viral and/or bacterial origin may occur in recurrent respiratory infections. Decreased production of local immunity contributes greatly to the development of viral and bacterial infections, persistence of pathogenic micro-organisms. Intestinal microflora can directly or indirectly affect the human respiratory tract through increased production of cytokines, short-chain fatty acids. In recent years, there has been a scientific interest in the therapeutic potential of probiotics for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections. Earlier studies have shown a positive effect of probiotics on the respiratory tract with a view to prevent and reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory infectious diseases by expending the number of IgA secreting cells in the bronchial mucosa. Studies showed that the use of probiotics can reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections, duration of fever, cough, and the need for antibacterial agents in children. Peptidoglycans and muramyl peptides that are constituents of the bacterial cell wall have antiviral activity. Probiotics can also inhibit virus attachment through a process of competing for the specific receptors. The regeneration of the mucous membrane is enhanced by the ability of mucin to prevent the virus from attaching to epithelial cells and suppress virus replication. The antiviral effect of probiotics may be caused by the ability to produce antimicrobial peptides, dehydrogenases and NOs. Probiotics can modulate the functions of epithelial and dendritic cells, CD4 +, CD8 + T lymphocytes, NK cells, stimulate the synthesis of secretory immunoglobulins, helping to neutralize the virus.

Thermally processed lignin reduces the apparent hydrolysis rate of pancreatic α-amylase in starchy foods

Lignin, despite being the second most abundant constituent of plant cell walls, is thought to be chemically inert during gastrointestinal digestion and therefore attracts little attention for its role in the human diet. This study explores the heat modifications of lignin to derive species capable of slowing starch digestion in vitro. We applied various advanced biochemical (e.g. enzymic digestion, solubility) and physio-chemical (e.g. scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy, 13C-NMR) analyses to characterize the structure-function of lignin induced by heat treatment. It was found that lignin thermally processed above 300 °C reduced the apparent hydrolysis rate of pancreatic α-amylase, which is ascribed mainly to the insoluble lignin with a modified particle surface morphology. Further kinetic experiments showed that lignin species derived by thermal processing slowed in vitro digestion rates of potato starch and pasta. These findings highlight the potential for utilizing thermally processed lignin in slowing digestion of starchy foods.