Growth Of Gram-negative Bacteria Research Articles

Anti-diabetic effects of natural and modified 'Ganzhou' navel orange peel pectin on type 2 diabetic mice via gut microbiota.

Pectin, a kind of dietary fiber, has attracted much attention owing to its beneficial effect on human health in recent years. In this study, the effects of both 'Ganzhou' navel orange peel pectin (GOP) and modified GOP (MGOP) on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were investigated. The results indicated that GOP and MGOP intervention had positive effects on T2DM in C57BL/6 mice. After modification, pectin can be changed into low methoxy pectin (LMP) and the content of GalA can increase, which endow MGOP with significant effects on improving lipid metabolism (TC, TG, and LDL-C decreased by 30.46%, 50%, and 37.56%, respectively, and HDL-C increased by 56%) and OGTT, further reducing insulin resistance (insulin decreased by 74.35%). In addition, MGOP was superior to GOP in improving oxidative stress (GSH and GSH-Px increased by 52.05% and 29.08% respectively, and MDA decreased by 84.02%), inhibiting inflammation and promoting SCFA synthesis. 16S rRNA analysis showed that MGOP changed the composition of intestinal microbiota in diabetic mice, decreased the abundance of Alistipes, Helicobacter and Oscillibacter, and increased the relative abundance of Dubosiella, Akkermansiaceae, and Atopobiaceae. The phenotypes of the gut microbiome also changed accordingly, which showed that MGOP significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria and potential pathogenic bacteria and reversed the related complications. Taken together, our findings revealed that MGOP intake regulated lipid metabolism and oxidative stress and improved the gut health of mice, with promising effects against T2DM and related complications.

Honeybee wings hold antibiofouling and antimicrobial clues for improved applications in health care and industries

Natural surfaces with remarkable properties and functionality have become the focus of intense research. Heretofore, the natural antimicrobial properties of insect wings have inspired research into their applications. The wings of cicadas, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies have evolved phenomenal anti-biofouling and antimicrobial properties. These wings are covered by periodic topography ranging from highly ordered hexagonal arrays of nanopillars to intricate "Christmas-tree" like structures with the ability to kill microbes by physically rupturing the cell membrane. In contrast, the topography of honeybee wings has received less attention. The role topography plays in antibiofouling, and antimicrobial activity of honeybee wings has never been investigated. Here, through antimicrobial and electron microscopy studies, we showed that pristine honeybee wings displayed no microbes on the wing surface. Also, the wings displayed antimicrobial properties that disrupt microbial cells and inhibit their growth. The antimicrobial activities of the wings were extremely effective at inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative bacterial cells when compared to Gram-positive bacterial cells. The fore wing was effective at inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive samples. Electron microscopy revealed that the wings were studded with an array of rough, sharp, and pointed pillars that were distributed on both the dorsal and ventral sides, which enhanced anti-biofouling and antimicrobial effects. Our findings demonstrate the potential benefits of incorporating honeybee wings nanopatterns into the design of antibacterial nanomaterials which can be translated into countless applications in healthcare and industry.

An expedient synthesis spectral characteristic computational studies and target prediction through insilco studies of 24α-ethylcholest-5, 22E-dien-3-yl-2- mercapto-benzoate and 11, 17 di-hydroxy preg-4-ene-3, 20-dione-21-yl-2-mercapto-benzoate

In the current work (24α-ethylcholest-5, 22E-dien-3-yl-2- mercapto-benzoate) (3) and (11, 17 di-hydroxy-preg-4-ene-3, 20-dione-21-yl-2-mercapto-benzoate) (4) were synthesized from Stigmasterol (1) and Hydrocortisone (2), respectively isolated as a major components from chloroform extract of stem part of the plant Allamandaviolacea. The synthesized compound (3) and (4) have been characterized with the aid of 1H, 13C, UV, FT-IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) is used to reckonthe molecular geometry of synthesized compounds with B3LYP functional and 631 G (d,p) basis set in ground state.1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were premeditated in ground state by means of Gauge-Including Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method and these values were correlated with experimental interpretations. Time dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) is employed in computing electronic properties such as HOMO and LUMO. AIM (Atom in molecule) analysis is used in evaluation of strength of H-bonding and its intra molecular interactions. Global reactivity descriptors were calculated to study the reactive sites within molecules. Dipole moment, polarizability and first hyperpolarizability values have been determined for interpretation of nonlinear optical (NLO) property of the synthesized compounds. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) has also been performed.The potential of both the compounds were evaluated against quorum sensing protein of Gram negative bacteria LsrB (1TM2), LsrK (5YA2), LasR (2UV0) and LuxS (5E68). Binding energy ranging from -8.40133 to -12.49721 kcal/mol and virtual score from -9.67971 to -13.81495 suggest that the compounds can play important role in controlling the unwanted growth of Gram negative bacteria by inhibiting their quorum sensing system.

Cold plasma treatment to prepare active polylactic acid/ethyl cellulose film using wheat germ peptides and chitosan

In this study, the surface of the polylactic acid/ethyl cellulose (PLA/EC) blend film was modified by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment to facilitate the spin-coating of chitosan (CH) and wheat germ bioactive peptides (PEP) obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of defatted wheat germ protein isolate on the surface of the film. The suitable plasma treatment condition was 5 min at 20 kV according to ATR-FTIR, AFM, SEM, water angle contact, and water solubility results. Increasing the surface roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups (CO and −OH) improved coating by PEP and CH. The PEP-coated film had better antioxidant activity than CH-PEP and CH-coated films. The results of antimicrobial activity demonstrated that PEP-coated film could reduce the growth of gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The PEP-coated film had competitive antibacterial properties with CH-coated. Hence, the obtained PEP-coated PLA/EC film could be a promising candidate for antioxidant and antibacterial food packaging.

Antioxidants, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities of Purified Chitinase of Talaromyces funiculosus Strain CBS 129594 Biosynthesized Using Crustacean Bio-Wastes

Talaromyces funiculosus strain CBS 129594 was optimized to promote chitinase activity under solid state fermentation using crustacean bio-wastes. The aim of the study was to use purified chitinase as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The results showed that the maximum enzyme yield (2.98 ± 0.2 U/g substrate) was obtained at 1:2 crab shell chitin with the inoculation size (2.5 × 106v/v) after seven days of incubation, pH 6.5, using 0.20% of soybean meal, malt extract, and yeast extract and 100% cane and beet molasses as supplementation. The enzyme was purified with an overall yield of 7.22 purification fold with a specific activity of 9.32 ± 0.3 U/mg protein. The molecular mass of the purified chitinase was 45 kDa. The highest chitinase activity was detected at pH 6.5 and 40 °C. The purified chitinase was activated by Ca2+, Cu2+, Na+, Mn2+, and Mg2+. On the other hand, the enzyme activity was inhibited in the presence of Hg2+, Ag2+, and Li+ at 10 mM, while Zn2+ and Co2+ caused no effect compared to media without any metals. The scavenging of 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2.2-pheny-l-1-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) increased with increasing the concentrations of the purified chitinase enzyme (100, 200, 300, and 400 µg/mL) which ranged from 48.7% to 57.8% and 8.87% to 63.73%, respectively. The IC50 value of DPPH radicals and ABTS of purified chitinase produced by T. funiculosus strain CBS 129594 was 199 and 306 μg/mL concentration, respectively. The purified chitinase inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), and fungi (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans). The highest concentrations of purified chitinase (1000 µg/mL) caused the higher toxicity of cancer cell line MCF7 (97%), HCT116 (88.2%), and HepG2 (97.1%). In conclusion, we can conclude that chitinase can be produced from marine waste and can be used as an antioxidant, antibacterial activity, cancer therapy, and ecofriendly biocontrol agent.

Identification of a Small Molecule That Inhibits the Interaction of LPS Transporters LptA and LptC.

The need for novel antibiotics has become imperative with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria in clinics. Acting as a permeability barrier, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) protects Gram-negative bacteria against drugs. LPS is synthesized in cells and transported to the outer membrane (OM) via seven lipopolysaccharide transport (Lpt) proteins (LptA–LptG). Of these seven Lpt proteins, LptC interacts with LptA to transfer LPS from the inner membrane (IM) to the OM, and assembly is aided by LptD/LptE. This interaction among the Lpt proteins is important for the biosynthesis of LPS; therefore, the Lpt proteins, which are significant in the assembly process of LPS, can be a potential target for new antibiotics. In this study, a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system was used to screen compounds that could block LPS transport by inhibiting LptA/LptC interaction, which finally disrupts the biosynthesis of the OM. We selected the compound IMB-0042 for this study. Our results suggest that IMB-0042 disrupts LptA/LptC interaction by binding to both LptA and LptC. Escherichia coli cells, when treated with IMB-0042, showed filament morphology, impaired OM integrity, and an accumulation of LPS in the periplasm. IMB-0042 inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria and showed synergistic sensitization to other antibiotics, with low cytotoxicity. Thus, we successfully identified a potential antibacterial agent by using a Y2H system, which blocks the transport of LPS by targeting LptA/LptC interaction in Escherichia coli.

An endolysin Salmcide-p1 from bacteriophage fmb-p1 against gram-negative bacteria.

A novel endolysin Salmcide-p1 was developed as a promising candidate of new preservative and a supplement to effective enzyme preparations against gram-negative bacterial contaminations. Salmcide-p1 was identified by complementing the genomic sequence of a virulent Salmonella phage fmb-p1. Salmcide-p1 of 112 μgml-1 could quickly kill Salmonella incubated with 100 mmol l-1 EDTA, with no haemolytic activity. Meanwhile, Salmcide-p1 had a high activity of lysing Salmonella cell wall peptidoglycan. At different temperatures (4-75°C), pH (4-11) and NaCl concentration (10-200 mmol l-1 ), the relative activity of Salmcide-p1 was above 60%. At 4°C, the combination of Salmcide-p1 and EDTA-2Na could inhibit the number of Salmonella Typhimurium CMCC 50115 in skim milk to less than 4 log CFU ml-1 by 3 days, and the number of Shigella flexneri CMCC 51571 was lower than 4 log CFU ml-1 by 9 days. Salmcide-p1 had a wide bactericidal activity against gram-negative bacteria and showed a broader anti-Salmonella spectrum than the phage fmb-p1. The combination strategy of Salmcide-p1 and EDTA-2Na could significantly inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria inoculated in skim milk. Bacteriophage endolysin as an antibacterial agent is considered to be a new strategy against bacterial contamination.

PENGARUH EKSTRAK KULIT JERUK KALAMANSI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI SALMONELLA TYPHI DAN SUMBANGANNYA PADA PEMBELAJARAN BIOLOGI SMA

Kalamansi orange (Citrus microcarpa Bunge.) has the potential as a source of antimicrobials because the skin of the fruit contains flavonoid compounds, tannins, and alkaloids which have been shown to be able to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to obtain information on the effect of ethanolic extract of kalamansi orange peel (C. microcarpa Bunge.) on the growth of Salmonella typhi bacteria land the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethanolic extract of kalamansi orange peel (C. microcarpa Bunge.) on the growth of S. ltyphi bacteria. Experimental research with a completely randomized design, the results were analyzed using the One Way ANOVA test. Calamansi orange peel ethanol extract with concentrations of 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15% was tested for antibacterial activity against the growth of S. typhi bacteria using the disc diffusion method. The parameters observed were the diameter of the inhibition zone formed around the lpaper disc. The results of this study showed that ethanol extract of kalamansi orange peel (C. microcarpa Bunge.) had a significant effect on the growth of S. typhi bacteria, with a 95% confidence level and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethanolic extract of kalamansi orange peel (C. microcarpa Bunge.) on bacterial growth. S. typhi was at a concentration of 10%, to be precise, MIC was at a concentration of 5% with an average inhibition zone diameter of 5.27 mm. The results of this study were donated in the form of student worksheets and related their role in life in the biology subject of SMA class X even semester

Evaluation of the antimicrobial function of Ginkgo biloba exocarp extract against clinical bacteria and its effect on Staphylococcus haemolyticus by disrupting biofilms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe fruit of Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgo nuts) has been used for a long time as a critical Chinese medicine material to treat cough and asthma, as well as a disinfectant. Similar records were written in the Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu, pinyin in Chinese) and Sheng Nong's herbal classic (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, pinyin in Chinese). Recent research has shown that Ginkgo biloba exocarp extract (GBEE) has the functions of unblocking blood vessels and improving brain function, as well as antitumour activity and antibacterial activity. GBEE was shown to inhibit methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm formation as a traditional Chinese herb in our previous report in this journal. Aim of the studyThe antibiotic resistance of clinical bacteria has recently become increasingly serious. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the Ginkgo biloba exocarp extract (GBEE) antibacterial lineage, as well as its effect and mechanism on S. haemolyticus biofilms. This study will provide a new perspective on clinical multidrug resistant (MDR) treatment with ethnopharmacology herbs. MethodsThe microbroth dilution assay was carried out to measure the antibacterial effect of GBEE on 13 types of clinical bacteria. Bacterial growth curves with or without GBEE treatment were drawn at different time points. The potential targets of GBEE against S. haemolyticus were screened by transcriptome sequencing. The effects of GBEE on bacterial biofilm formation and mature biofilm disruption were determined by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy. The metabolic activity of bacteria inside the biofilm was assessed by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting and (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2HY-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure the gene expression profile of GBEE on S. haemolyticus biofilm-related factors. ResultsThe results showed that GBEE has bacteriostatic effects on 3 g-positive (G+) and 2 g-negative (G-) bacteria among 13 species of clinical bacteria. The antibacterial effect of GBEE supernatant liquid was stronger than the antibacterial effect of GBEE supernviaould-like liquid. GBEE supernatant liquid inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and E. faecium at shallow concentrations with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2 μg/ml, 4 μg/ml and 8 μg/ml, respectively. Genes involved in quorum sensing, two-component systems, folate biosynthesis, and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters were differentially expressed in GBEE-treated groups compared with controls. Crystal violet, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT assays showed that GBEE suppressed S. haemolyticus biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, GBEE supernatant liquid downregulated cidA, cidB and atl, which are involved in cell lysis and extracellular DNA (eDNA) release, as well as downregulated the cbp, ebp and fbp participation in encoding cell-surface binding proteins. ConclusionsGBEE has an excellent antibacterial effect on gram-positive bacteria and also inhibits the growth of gram-negative bacteria, such as A. baumannii (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii) CRABA and S. maltophilia. GBEE inhibits the biofilm formation of S. haemolyticus by altering the regulation and biofilm material-related genes, including the release of eDNA and cell-surface binding proteins.

Effects of diet and feed composition on antibacterial activity of hemolymph of saproxylic beetles: A case study of Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Effects of the diet on the antibacterial activity of hemolymph of Zophobas atratus (Fabricius, 1775) larvae cultivated in laboratory conditions are described. It is shown that plasma specimens of Z. atratus larvae grown on an artificial fungi-based diet have a prominent antibacterial activity as compared to plasma specimens of larvae grown on a diet of standard feed, so it can be suggested that the diet composition intensifies the synthesis of efficient concentrations of bactericide molecules to the hemolymph. It is found that the hemolymph fraction below 30 kDa inhibits the growth of gram-negative bacteria E. coli ATCC 25922, but has no activity towards gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis ATCC 6633=DSM 347.

Antimicrobial Activity of Fejervarya Skin Secretions (Anura: Dicroglossidae) in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Research on the antimicrobial test of Fejervarya frog skin secretions (Anura: Dicroglossidae) in West Sumatra. This study aimed to analyze the ability of compounds secreted from the skin of F. cancrivora and F. limnocharis in West Sumatra to inhibit the growth of Gram Negative bacteria, Gram Positive bacteria, antibiotics-resistant bacteria and fungi. This study used the diffusion method with paper discs for antimicrobial test of frog skin secretions. Result from this study showed that the skin secretions of F. cancrivora and F. limnocharis in West Sumatra, Indonesia did not show any antimicrobial properties.

Homeopathic medicine activity on the growth of Gram-negative bacteria

Introduction: Homeopathy is a therapy that uses medications prepared with infinitesimal and dynamized dilutions. Current studies demonstrate in vitro activity of homeopathy on gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Among bacterial infections, urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequent, leads to later consequences and the main causal agent is Escherichia coli (E. coli). In other publications, it has been reported inactivity of homeopathy on E. coli cultures. Due to the divergence in the literature, the objective of this study was to evaluate gram-negative bacteria growth under homeopathy treatment. Methods: The medicines Atropa belladona, Cantharis, Staphysagria, and Colibacillinum were tested at 6CH, 12CH and 30CH in E. coli ATCC 25922 and EPEC (Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) ATCC 43887. Two hundred and fifty microliters of the medicines in alcohol 30% were incubated at 37ºC with 3 mL of Müller Hinton broth (MH), 10 μL of cultures at 0.5 Macfarland and subsequent dilution at 1/10. Bacterial growth was evaluated in a spectrophotometer at 600nm, in the periods of 6, 12, and 20 hours of incubation. Results and Discussion: The results showed no inhibition of bacterial growth under the studied conditions. These data corroborate with studies already published that indicate the absence of action of homeopathy on E. coli cultures. Considering other studies, it can be suggested that homeopathic medicines have direct activity on the growth of Gram-positive and not Gram-negative bacteria. Evaluating the two bacterial groups, it is possible to assume that the difference in homeopathy activity could be linked to differences in the bacterial wall structure. This hypothesis should be evaluated by other tests with the same bacterial strains. Conclusion: The homeopathic medicines tested have no direct activity on Gram-negative bacteria cultures.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection: a narrative review.

COVID pneumonitis can cause patients to become critically ill. They may require intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a concern. This review discusses VAP in this group. Several reasons have been proposed to explain the elevated rates of VAP in critically ill COVID patients compared to non-COVID patients. Extrinsic factors include understaffing, lack of personal protective equipment and use of immunomodulating agents. Intrinsic factors include severe parenchymal damage and immune dysregulation, along with pulmonary vascular endothelial inflammation and thrombosis. The rate of VAP has been reported at 45.4%, with an intensive care unit mortality rate of 42.7%. Multiple challenges to diagnosis exist. Other conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary oedema and atelectasis can present with similar features. Frequent growth of gram-negative bacteria has been shown in multiple studies, with particularly high rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The rate of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has been reported at 4–30%. We would recommend the use of invasive techniques when possible. This will enable de-escalation of antibiotics as soon as possible, decreasing overuse. It is also important to keep other possible causes of VAP in mind, e.g. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis or cytomegalovirus. Diagnostic tests such as galactomannan and β-D-glucan should be considered. These patients may face a long treatment course, with risk of re-infection, along with prolonged weaning, which carries its own long-term consequences.

Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram-negative bacteria in the pediatric hematology-oncology ward of RSUD Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya

Infection is one of the causes of death in children with malignancy. Gram-negative bacteria with broad resistance to antibiotics are the cause of invasive infections in patients with malignancy. This prospective observational study was conducted by collecting medical record data, including the identity of patients, their diagnosis results, and the antibiotic susceptibility test results, from January to December 2020 in the pediatric hematology-oncology ward of Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital (hereinafter referred to as RSUD Dr. Soetomo), Surabaya. Positive cultures were obtained in 20.9% of the 196 samples. The growth of gram-negative bacteria was found in 48.8% of the positive culture test results, with a percentage of 50% in blood cultures, 30% in pus cultures, and 15% in urine cultures. The most common gram-negative bacteria isolates obtained in general were E. coli (40%) and K. pneumoniae (30%). The most commonly found non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria was P. aeruginosa (15%). The lowest antibiotic susceptibility was obtained to ampicillin (0%) and ampicillin-sulbactam 10%. The lowest antibiotic susceptibility was obtained to amikacin (85%) and cefepime (80%). The MDR resistance pattern was found in 80% of samples, 40% of which was found in ESBL-producing bacteria.

Effect of methylpyrazoles and coumarin association on the growth of Gram-negative bacteria

One approach to overcome the antimicrobial resistance of many pathogens is to associate compounds with antimicrobial properties and obtain combinations superior compared to the effect of each compound. To identify a possible potentiating effect, we tested and analyzed the inhibitory effect of the combination of coumarin with two pyrazole derivatives, 1,1'-methandiylbis (3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole (AM4) and 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) methanol 3,5-dimethyl-1-hydroxymethylpyrazol (SAM4). A clear synergistic effect was recorded when coumarin was associated with SAM4, in which case the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) had a value equal to 0.468 for Citrobacter freundii, Proteus mirabilis, and E. coli. In the other cases, however, both the association between coumarin and AM4 and coumarin SAM4 had only an additive effect (FICI = 0.937-1.00). The bactericidal effect of the coumarin-pyrazole combination over time was better in all cases compared to the effect of the compounds used separately. The viability of the bacterial cells at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the tested compounds was variable, depending on both the type of compound and the bacterial strain.

Antimicrobial natural rubber (NR) latex films for stethoscope diaphragm cover application

A stethoscope diaphragm without regular disinfection could be a potential vector for cross-transmission of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, an antimicrobial latex film could be used as a cover to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on its surface. This research was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of antimicrobial natural rubber (NR) latex films with the addition of different types of antimicrobial agents (mangosteen peel powder (MPP), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP), povidone-iodine (PVP-I)) with loading 2.0 phr. The addition of antimicrobial agents showed an optimal inhibition against the growth of Gram negative bacteria and fungi. They exhibited good antimicrobial efficacy with the largest zone of inhibition for MPP and PVP-I antimicrobial agents. The mechanical properties of the NR latex films with antimicrobial agents were still on par with the unfilled NR latex films. There was no significant drop in mechanical properties after adding the antimicrobial agents. In summary, the addition of antimicrobial agents, mainly ZnO NP can be a better choice for NR latex films as it will have dual functions as an activator and antimicrobial properties.

Comparison of the Biological Potential and Chemical Composition of Brazilian and Mexican Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from plants and its natural product is available as a safe therapeutic option easily administered orally and readily available as a natural supplement and functional food. In this work, we review the most recent scientific evidence involving propolis from two countries (Brazil and Mexico) located in different hemispheres and with varied biomes. Brazil has a scientifically well documented classification of different types of propolis. Although propolis from Brazil and Mexico present varied compositions, they share compounds with recognized biological activities in different extraction processes. Gram-negative bacteria growth is inhibited with lower concentrations of different types of propolis extracts, regardless of origin. Prominent biological activities against cancer cells and fungi were verified in the different types of extracts evaluated. Antiprotozoal activity needs to be further evaluated for propolis of both origins. Regarding the contamination of propolis (e.g., pesticides, toxic metals), few studies have been carried out. However, there is evidence of chemical contamination in propolis by anthropological action. Studies demonstrate the versatility of using propolis in its different forms (extracts, products, etc.), but several potential applications that might improve the value of Brazilian and Mexican propolis should still be investigated.

Antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective

BackgroundBauhinia strychnifolia Craib is an herb in Thai traditional medicine. Its decoction is traditionally used as an anticancer, antidiarrheal, and hangover remedy for centuries. Several studies described bioactivities of its organic solvent extracts, however, only few demonstrated the usefulness of the decoction. Here, we aimed to determine the bioactivities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective.MethodsTo achieve the goal, we performed MTT test, microscopic analyses, disc diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay, free radicals scavenging assays, and LC-MS analysis.ResultsWe found that the extracts inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Moreover, they also inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus but not inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and increased GSH production in HepG2 cell line when compared with untreated. Our LC-MS analysis confirmed the existence of anticancer and antioxidant; 3,5,7,3′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanonol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and β-sitosterol, in the extracts.ConclusionThe results from our study supported that the administration of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem decoction would really aid colon or liver cancer patients and detoxify the alcoholic drunkard as it is claimed in Thai traditional medicine.

96 A Rare Case of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

Abstract Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare subtype of T-cell lymphoma that develops around breast implants and was first described in 1997. To date, the estimated risk of BIA-ALCL in UK is reported to be 1 in 24000, but as yet appears to have a substantial variation of incidence around the world. The aetiology of this recognised clinical entity remained widely unknown. A 72-year-old woman in remission for systemic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ALCL of right axilla, presented with a discoloured lump at the medial mastectomy scar following a progressive enlargement of right breast, 20 years after silicone breast implant reconstruction. Imaging studies showed fluid collection and herniation of the affected breast implant. Subsequently, the discoloured lump burst and patient then had tissue biopsy and removal of her right breast implant in together with intravenous antibiotic. Histocytopathological examination confirmed the presence of BIA-ALCL without capsular invasion and the growth of Gram-negative bacteria were noted in fluid culture. Total capsulectomy was performed and patient continues to be in remission with no local or systemic therapy. We reported a rare yet interesting case of the coexistence of BIA-ALCL and systemic ALK-positive ALCL in an elderly patient. This case has further strengthened the causal relationship of composition and/or textured implant, and the presence of a theoretical association of a select group of pathogens maybe a trigger and contributes to the pathogenesis of BIA-ALCL. Due to the rarity of this disease, diagnosis can be challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Frankenia pulverulenta L. and Boerhavia elegans Choisy from Northern Oman

Evaluation of CA inhibition activity and the identification of the components of the essential oil of Frankenia pulverulenta (FPEO) and Boerhavia elegans (BEEO) were undertaken for the first time in this study. Twenty-five components were identified using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) in the FPEO, representing 92.7 % of the total oil. The major components were β-caryophyllene (32.5 %), δ-cadinene (8.4 %), alloaromadendrene (7.1 %), copaene (6.9 %), and ledol (5.3 %). Similarly, the BEEO contained 13 components representing 92.9 % of the total oil with β-caryophyllene (17.1 %) and β-amyrin (13.7 %) as the major components. The results determined that the FPEO was a rich source of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (69.8 %), while BEEO contains a higher concentration of aliphatic hydrocarbons (46.4 %). The EOS of both plants were further screened for carbonic anhydrase II (CA-II), and antimicrobial activities. Essential oil of F. pulverulenta exhibited significant CA-II activity with 101.5±2.35 % inhibition, while B. elegans essential oil presented promising bactericidal and fungicidal activities against Escherichia coli (Gramnegative bacteria) and Penicillium simplicissimumi. These results indicate that the essential oil of B. elegans can inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In addition, FPEO significantly inhibited CA and might have the potential to be used for the treatment of CA-related diseases.