Anti-obesity potential of a yogurt functionalized with a CLNA-rich pomegranate oil.

Pomegranate oil is rich in conjugated linolenic acids, compounds which have attracted attention due to their potential applicability in obesity management as they are capable of modulating leptin and adiponectin secretion and regulate fatty acids storage and glucose metabolism. Among the possible bioactive foodstuffs capable of delivering these bioactive compounds yogurts have shown potential. Thus, the purpose of this work was to develop functional yogurts through the addition of pomegranate oil either in its free or encapsulated (used as a protective strategy against oxidation and gastrointestinal tract passage) forms. To that end, the pomegranate oil (free and encapsulated) was incorporated in yogurt and the functional yogurt capacity to modulate hepatic lipid accumulation, adipocyte metabolism (in terms of lipolysis, and adipokines secretion) and immune response was evaluated. The results obtained showed that the pomegranate oil's incorporation led to an improvement in the yogurts' nutritional values, with a reduction in its atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes (more than 78% for atherogenic and 76% for thrombogenic index) and an enhancement of its hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (more than 62%) when compared to the control yogurt. Furthermore, data also showed for the first time how these functional yogurts promoted modulation of metabolic processes post GIT as they were capable of reducing by 40% triglycerides accumulation in steatosis-induced Hep G2 cells and by 30 % in differentiated adipocytes. Moreover, samples also showed a capacity to modulate the leptin and adiponectin secretion (56 % of increase in adiponectin) and reduce the IL-6 secretion (ca 44%) and TNF-α (ca 12%) in LPS-stimulated cells. Thus, the CLNA-rich yogurt here developed showed potential as a viable nutraceutical alternative for obesity management.

Understanding the Anti-Obesity Potential of an Avocado Oil-Rich Cheese through an In Vitro Co-Culture Intestine Cell Model.

Nowadays, with consumers' requirements shifting towards more natural solutions and the advent of nutraceutical-based approaches, new alternatives for obesity management are being developed. This work aimed to show, for the first time, the potential of avocado oil-fortified cheese as a viable foodstuff for obesity management through complex in vitro cellular models. The results showed that oleic and palmitic acids' permeability through the Caco-2/HT29-MTX membrane peaked at the 2h mark, with the highest apparent permeability being registered for oleic acid (0.14 cm/s). Additionally, the permeated compounds were capable of modulating the metabolism of adipocytes present in the basal compartment, significantly reducing adipokine (leptin) and cytokine (MPC-1, IL-10, and TNF-α) production. The permeates (containing 3.30 µg/mL of palmitic acid and 2.16 µg/mL of oleic acid) also presented an overall anti-inflammatory activity upon Raw 264.7 macrophages, reducing IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. Despite in vivo assays being required, the data showed the potential of a functional dairy product as a valid food matrix to aid in obesity management.

Differential Lipid Accumulation on HepG2 Cells Triggered by Palmitic and Linoleic Fatty Acids Exposure.

Lipid metabolism pathways such as ß-oxidation, lipolysis and, lipogenesis, are mainly associated with normal liver function. However, steatosis is a growing pathology caused by the accumulation of lipids in hepatic cells due to increased lipogenesis, dysregulated lipid metabolism, and/or reduced lipolysis. Accordingly, this investigation hypothesizes a selective in vitro accumulation of palmitic and linoleic fatty acids on hepatocytes. After assessing the metabolic inhibition, apoptotic effect, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by linoleic (LA) and palmitic (PA) fatty acids, HepG2 cells were exposed to different ratios of LA and PA to study the lipid accumulation using the lipophilic dye Oil Red O. Lipidomic studies were also carried out after lipid isolation. Results revealed that LA was highly accumulated and induced ROS production when compared to PA. Lipid profile modifications were observed after LA:PA 1:1 (v/v) exposure, which led to a four-fold increase in triglycerides (TGs) (mainly in linoleic acid-containing species), as well as a increase in cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content when compared to the control cells. The present work highlights the importance of balancing both PA and LA fatty acids concentrations in HepG2 cells to maintain normal levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), cholesterol, and TGs and to minimize some of the observed in vitro effects (i.e., apoptosis, ROS generation and lipid accumulation) caused by these fatty acids.

Microbial Conjugated Linolenic Acid-Enriched Fermented Milk Using Lipase-Hydrolyzed Flaxseed Oil: Biochemical, Organoleptic and Storage Traits.

The bioactive conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) can be microbiologically produced by different probiotic strains when in the presence of α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). Food matrices are a good vector, such as has been previously demonstrated with fermented milk enriched with microbial CLNA by Bifidobacterium breve DSM 20091 from lipase-hydrolyzed flaxseed oil. The aim of the present work was to further assess the nutritional, biochemical and organoleptic properties of the developed dairy product, as well as its storage stability throughout 28 days at 4 °C, proving its suitability for consumption. Milk lactose hydrolyzed into glucose (0.89 g/100 g) and galactose (0.88 g/100 g), which were further metabolized into lactic (0.42 g/100 g), acetic (0.44 g/100 g) and propionic (0.85 g/100 g) acids. Titratable acidity reached 0.69% and pH 4.93. Compared with the control (no CLNA), fat content was slightly higher (2.0 g/100 g). Acetic acid was the major volatile (83.32%), lacking important dairy flavor contributors, like acetaldehyde. Sensory analysis revealed predominant astringency and bitterness. No microbial concerns arose during storage, but the CLNA content increased, and some saturated fatty acids seemed to oxidize. In conclusion, the CLNA-enriched fermented milk revealed reasonable compositional properties, yet further improvements are needed for optimal consumer acceptance and a prolonged shelf-life.

Abiotrophia spp. and Granulicatella spp. Infective Endocarditis: A Contemporary Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Abiotrophia spp. and Granulicatella spp. are Gram-positive cocci, formerly known as nutritionally variant or deficient Streptococcus. Their role as causative agents of infective endocarditis (IE) is numerically uncertain, as well as diagnostic and clinical management of this infection. The aim of our study is to describe the clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and prognosis of patients with IE caused by these microorganisms in a large microbiology department. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all the patients with Abiotrophia spp. and Granulicatella spp. IE registered in our centre in the period 2004-2021. RESULTS: Of the 822 IE in the study period, 10 (1.2%) were caused by Abiotrophia spp. (7) or Granulicatella spp. (3). The species involved were A.defectiva (7), G.adiacens (2) and G.elegans (1). Eight patients were male, their mean age was 46 years and four were younger than 21 years. The most frequent comorbidities were congenital heart disease (4; 40%) and the presence of intracardiac prosthetic material (5; 50%). IE occurred on 5 native valves and 5 prosthetic valve or material. Blood cultures were positive in 8/10 patients, within a mean incubation period of 18.07 hours. In the other two patients, a positive 16SPCR from valve or prosthetic material provided the diagnosis. Surgery for IE was performed in seven patients (70%) and in all cases positive 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing from valve or prosthetic material was demonstrated. Valves and/or prosthetic removed material cultures were positive in four patients. Nine patients received ceftriaxone (4 in monotherapy and 5 in combination with other antibiotics). The mean length of treatment was 6 weeks and IE-associated mortality was 20% at one year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Abiotrophia spp. or Granulicatella spp. IE were infrequent but not exceptional in our environment and particularly affected patients with congenital heart disease or prosthetic material. Blood cultures and molecular methods allowed the diagnosis. Most of them required surgery and the associated mortality, in spite of a mean age of 46 years, was high.

Pomegranate Oil's Potential as an Anti-Obesity Ingredient.

In recent years, pomegranate oil has obtained more attention due to its content of conjugated linolenic acids and possible application in the prevention of many diseases. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential ability of pomegranate oil to modulate obesity-related metabolism and immune response using in vitro models. In this regard, pomegranate oil was characterized in terms of fatty acids profile, tocopherols and phytosterols, and antioxidant capacity. After evaluation of the safety profile, pomegranate oil's capacity to modulate obesity-related metabolism was evaluated through adipolysis and adipokines secretion quantification in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes and hepatic lipid accumulation assay in Hep G2 hepatocytes. The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated in Caco-2 cells by quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. This oil showed high antioxidant capacity and was mainly composed of conjugated fatty acid, namely punicic acid. Its chemical composition was responsible for its capacity to reduce the lipid accumulation in Hep G2 cells and 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes. In short, pomegranate oil shows great potential for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting obesity.

Exhaustive diagnosis of breast implants with capsular contracture: The microbiology laboratory as a major support.

The most frequent complications of post-mastectomy reconstructions are breast implant (BI) infection and capsular contracture (CC). The diagnosis of BI colonization is based on cultures from the sonicated BI and from the capsule tissue. Therefore, we first aimed to assess the yield of conventional culture and molecular techniques in periprosthetic fluid, in addition to BI and capsular tissue. Moreover, we compare colonization and biofilm production between patients with and without CC. During 19 months, we prospectively included patients whose BIs had been removed and divided them into two groups: A (CC, Baker III-IV) and B (no CC). Samples were obtained for conventional culture, 16 s rRNA PCR, and MALDI-TOF. Biofilm production was also evaluated. We included 81 BIs from 69 patients with CC (22) and without CC (53). Forty-three (53.1%) of the 81 BIs had ≥1 positive culture. The culture was positive in 57.1% and 50.9% in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.645). The highest 16 s rRNA PCR positivity rate was detected in capsular tissue (40.5%). MALDI-TOF was unable to detect colonization in any of the samples. High biofilm production was the following: high biomass: A, 29.8%; B, 39.7% (p = 0.293); high metabolic activity: A, 36.2%; B, 34.5% (p = 0.857). We confirm that cultures from different sites are mandatory to ensure a proper diagnosis of BI colonization. Our study is the first to demonstrate that CC was not associated with BI colonization or high biofilm production. The application of molecular techniques in BI samples was not substantially useful for predicting colonization.

The role of biofilm production in Cutibacterium acnes strains isolated from breast implants.

The role of C. acnes biofilm production in the pathogenesis of breast implants infections has not been deeply assessed. We analyze biofilm production (in terms of biomass and metabolic activity) between 40 Cutibacterium acnes strains isolated from breast implants and 32 from other sites. C. acnes strains isolated from breast implants showed higher metabolic activity than those isolated from other-locations and, especially, those from patients with capsular contracture .

Three different patterns of positive Clostridium difficile laboratory tests. A comparison of clinical behavior.

Clostridium difficile (CD) diagnosis is very varied and under discussion. Different research groups disagree on the clinical significance of patients with negative direct toxin and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or even more with direct toxin and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) both negatives, but CD detected by toxigenic culture (TC). The objective was to analyze the characteristics of patients with 3 different diagnostic criteria. We compared these 3 groups of patients: group 1: (GDH+/direct toxin+/PCR+), group 2: (GDH+/direct toxin-/PCR+) and group 3: (GDH-/direct toxin-/PCR not done/TC+). The proportion of patients with CD infection (CDI) (not colonization) for groups 1 to 3 was, respectively, 90.3%, 95.4%, and 59.1%. No differences between severity (40.8%, 38.5%, 27.3%), recurrence (20.3%, 24.1%, 7.6%), or related mortality (12.5%, 5.2%, 0%) were found within the 3 groups of patients. Laboratory clinical results should not be used as the only tool to differentiate CDI versus colonization or severity. We recommend that PCR or a second-look TC be performed on all patients.

Effect of Pufa Substrates on Fatty Acid Profile of Bifidobacterium breve Ncimb 702258 and CLA/CLNA Production in Commercial Semi-Skimmed Milk.

Current research on lipids is highlighting their relevant role in metabolic/signaling pathways. Conjugated fatty acids (CFA), namely isomers of linoleic and linolenic acid (i.e. CLA and CLNA, respectively) can positively modulate inflammation processes and energy metabolism, promoting anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant effects, improved lipid profiles and insulin resistance, among others. Bioactive doses have been indicated to be above 1 g/d, yet these cannot be achieved through a moderate intake (i.e. 1-2 servings) of natural sources, and certain CLA-containing products have limited commercial availability. Such handicaps have fueled research interest in finding alternative fortification strategies. In recent years, screening of dairy products for CFA-producing bacteria has attracted much attention and has led to the identification of some promising strains, including Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 702258. This strain has shown interesting producing capabilities in model systems as well as positive modulation of lipid metabolism activities in animal studies. Accordingly, the aim of this research work was to assay B. breve NCIMB 702258 in semi-skimmed milk to produce a probiotic fermented dairy product enriched in bioactive CLA and CLNA. The effect of substrates (LA, α-LNA and γ-LNA) on growth performance and membrane fatty acids profile was also studied, as these potential modifications have been associated to stress response. When tested in cys-MRS culture medium, LA, α-LNA and γ-LNA impaired the fatty acid synthesis by B. breve since membrane concentrations for stearic and oleic acids decreased. Variations in the C18:1 c11 and lactobacillic acid concentrations, may suggest that these substrates are also affecting the membrane fluidity. Bifidobacterium breve CFA production capacity was first assessed in cys-MRS with LA, α-LNA, γ-LNA or all substrates together at 0.5 mg/mL each. This strain did not produce CFA from γ-LNA, but converted 31.12% of LA and 68.20% of α-LNA into CLA and CLNA, respectively, after incubation for 24 h at 37 °C. In a second phase, B. breve was inoculated in a commercial semi-skimmed milk with LA, α-LNA or both at 0.5 mg/mL each. Bifidobacterium breve revealed a limited capacity to synthesize CLA isomers, but was able to produce 0.062-0.115 mg/mL CLNA after 24 h at 37 °C. However, organoleptic problems were reported which need to be addressed in future studies. These results show that although CFA were produced at too low concentrations to be able to achieve solely the bioactive dose in one daily portion size, fermented dairy products are a suitable vector to deliver B. breve NCIMB 702258.

Microbial Production of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Conjugated Linolenic Acid Relies on a Multienzymatic System.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and conjugated linolenic acids (CLNAs) have gained significant attention due to their anticarcinogenic and lipid/energy metabolism-modulatory effects. However, their concentration in foodstuffs is insufficient for any therapeutic application to be implemented. From a biotechnological standpoint, microbial production of these conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) has been explored as an alternative, and strains of the genera Propionibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium have shown promising producing capacities. Current screening research works are generally based on direct analytical determination of production capacity (e.g., trial and error), representing an important bottleneck in these studies. This review aims to summarize the available information regarding identified genes and proteins involved in CLA/CLNA production by these groups of bacteria and, consequently, the possible enzymatic reactions behind such metabolic processes. Linoleate isomerase (LAI) was the first enzyme to be described to be involved in the microbiological transformation of linoleic acids (LAs) and linolenic acids (LNAs) into CFA isomers. Thus, the availability of lai gene sequences has allowed the development of genetic screening tools. Nevertheless, several studies have reported that LAIs have significant homology with myosin-cross-reactive antigen (MCRA) proteins, which are involved in the synthesis of hydroxy fatty acids, as shown by hydratase activity. Furthermore, it has been suggested that CLA and/or CLNA production results from a stress response performed by the activation of more than one gene in a multiple-step reaction. Studies on CFA biochemical pathways are essential to understand and characterize the metabolic mechanism behind this process, unraveling all the gene products that may be involved. As some of these bacteria have shown modulation of lipid metabolism in vivo, further research to be focused on this topic may help us to understand the role of the gut microbiota in human health.

Milk fat components with potential anticancer activity-a review.

During many years, the milk fat has been unfairly undervalued due to its association with higher levels of cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidaemia or obesity, among others. However, currently, this relationship is being re-evaluated because some of the dairy lipid components have been attributed potential health benefits. Due to this, and based on the increasing incidence of cancer in our society, this review work aims to discuss the state of the art concerning scientific evidence of milk lipid components and reported anticancer properties. Results from the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that specific fatty acids (FA) (as butyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), among others), phospholipids and sphingolipids from milk globule membrane are potential anticarcinogenic agents. However, their mechanism of action remains still unclear due to limited and inconsistent findings in human studies.

Absorption Kinetics of the Main Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers in Commercial-Rich Oil after Oral Administration in Rats.

This study aimed to assess the oral absorption and plasma kinetics of two main isomers contained in commercial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-rich oil (Tonalin TG-80), rumenic acid (RA), and C18:2 trans-10, cis-12. The isomer plasma disposition after the single oral dose of 3000 mg of Tonalin TG-80/kg, containing 1200 mg/kg of each isomer, was studied in rats. The isomer plasma concentrations were determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The plasma kinetics showed rapid oral absorption of RA and C18:2 trans-10, cis-12 (t1/2a 0.34 ± 0.09 and 0.53 ± 0.01 h) and slow elimination (t1/2ß 25.68 ± 3.29 and 18.12 ± 1.71 h); the maximal isomer plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 8.48 ± 0.98 and 7.67 ± 0.80 µg mL-1, respectively, were estimated at 2.08 ± 0.14 and 2.26 ± 0.11 h. Our results from a preclinical kinetic study in rats help to design future studies in humans for evaluating the CLA isomer dose-response.

Evidences and perspectives in the utilization of CLNA isomers as bioactive compounds in foods.

Conjugated alpha linolenic acid (CLNA) isomers are promising lipids owing to their similarities with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) but exerting their bioactivity at lower doses; some isomers also belong to omega 3 family. This review aims to summarize the state of the art about the utilization of CLNA as a functional ingredient. Indeed, in vitro and in vivo studies reported that CLNA exerted anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obese, and antioxidant activities. However, CLNA has not been tested in humans. These compounds are naturally present in meat and milk fat from ruminants but the highest concentrations are found in vegetable oils. Their incorporation in foodstuffs is one of the most effective strategies to elaborate CLNA-enriched products together with the microbiological production. Lactobacilli, propionibacteria, and bifidobacteria strains have been assayed to produce CLNA isomers but at the current moment there are not high CLNA concentration products elaborated using these strains. Furthermore, it is known that CLNA isomers are highly prone to oxidation when compared with linoleic acid and CLA, but the possible effects of elaboration and storage on high CLNA productsare unknown.The utilization of CLNA as a functional compound still remains a challenge and requires more research to address all of its technological and bioactivity aspects.

Isolation and Analysis of Phospholipids in Dairy Foods.

The lipid fraction of milk is one of the most complex matrixes in foodstuffs due to the presence of a high number of moieties with different physical and chemical properties. Glycerolipids include glycerol and two fatty acids esterified in positions sn-1 and sn-2 with higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids than in the triglyceride fraction of milk. Sphingolipids consist of a sphingoid base linked to a fatty acid across an amide bond. Their amphiphilic nature makes them suitable to be added into a variety of foods and recent investigations show that phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin, can exert antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer activities as well as positive effects in Alzheimer's disease, stress, and memory decline. Polar lipids can be found as natural constituents in the membranes of all living organisms with soybean and eggs as the principal industrial sources, yet they have low contents in phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin. Animal products are rich sources of these compounds but since there are legal restrictions to avoid transmission of prions, milk and dairy products are gaining interest as alternative sources. This review summarizes the analysis of polar lipids in dairy products including sample preparation (extraction and fractionation/isolation) and analysis by GC or HPLC and the latest research works using ELSD, CAD, and MS detectors.

Optimizing the diagnostic testing of Clostridium difficile infection.

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea and is associated with a considerable health and cost burden. However, there is still not a clear consensus on the best laboratory diagnosis approach and a wide variation of testing methods and strategies can be encountered. AREAS COVERED: We aim to review the most practical aspects of CDI diagnosis providing our own view on how to optimize CDI diagnosis. Expert commentary: Laboratory diagnosis in search of C. difficile toxins should be applied to all fecal diarrheic samples reaching the microbiology laboratory in patients > 2 years old, with or without classic risk factors for CDI. Detection of toxins either directly in the fecal sample or in the bacteria isolated in culture confirm CDI in the proper clinical setting. Nuclear Acid Assay techniques (NAAT) allow to speed up the process with epidemiological and therapeutic consequences.

Antiproliferative activity of buttermilk lipid fractions isolated using food grade and non-food grade solvents on human cancer cell lines.

Buttermilk is a dairy by-product with a high content of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs), whose protein constituents are reported to be antiproliferative. Lipids represent about half of the composition of MFGM. The aim of this study was to isolate buttermilk lipid fractions and evaluate their potential antiproliferative effect. Selective extraction with food grade or non-food grade solvents was performed. Antiproliferative effectiveness of lipid extracts and their neutral and polar fractions was evaluated on nine human cancer cell lines. Fractions obtained using food grade ethanol gave a higher yield than those obtained using non-food grade solvents, and they effectively inhibited cell viability of the cancer cell lines investigated. These fractions, rich in phospho- and sphingolipids, were strongly antiproliferative against human ovary and colon cancer cells. This observation allowed us to hypothesize further analyses aimed at promoting the use of buttermilk polar lipid fractions as functional food additives.

Clinical Significance of Clostridium difficile in Children Less Than 2 Years Old: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The significance of Clostridium difficile (CD) in the stools of children 2 years old or younger remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors and clinical evolution of diarrheic children ≤2 years old with or without CD in their stools. METHODS: From January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013, all diarrheic stool samples received in our laboratory were screened for CD. We randomly selected diarrheic children ≤2 years old (n = 100) with an isolation of toxigenic CD in the stools and compared them with diarrheic children (n = 100) without isolation of CD. RESULTS: Cases and controls were appropriately matched for age and sex. We found no significant differences between children with or without CD. Of the CD cases, we compared the patients receiving treatment with metronidazole (19%) versus those that were not prescribed treatment (81%), and found that patients in the first group had used more gastric acid suppressants (P = 0.02), had surgery in the last month (P = 0.03) and also presented with more days with diarrhea (P = 0.03). All the patients, including CD cases, independently of the administration of metronidazole, were cured of the diarrheic episode. Polymerase chain reaction-ribotyping performed in all CD cases showed that the most prevalent ribotype was 014 (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reinforces the nonsignificance of CD in neonates and infants younger than 2 years old. Informing clinicians of CD isolates in this population promotes the use of antibiotics against CD, without evidence of a different outcome than those not receiving treatment.

Characterization of the Aroma-Active, Phenolic, and Lipid Profiles of the Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Nut as Affected by the Single and Double Roasting Process.

The pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nut is one of the most widely consumed edible nuts in the world. However, it is the roasting process that makes the pistachio commercially viable and valuable as it serves as the key step to improving the nut's hallmark sensory characteristics including flavor, color, and texture. Consequently, the present study explores the effects of the single-roasting and double-roasting process on the pistachio's chemical composition, specifically aroma-active compounds, polyphenols, and lipids. Results showed the total polyphenol content of increased with the roasting treatment; however, not all phenolic compounds demonstrated this behavior. With regard to the aroma and aroma-active compounds, the results indicated that roasting process results in the development of characteristics and pleasant aroma of pistachio samples due to the Maillard reaction. With regard to lipids, the pistachio roasting treatment reduced the concentration of CN38 diacylglycerides while increasing the amount of elaidic acid.

First evidence of pathology in the forelimb of the late Miocene saber-toothed felid Promegantereon ogygia (Machairodontinae, Smilodontini).

We examined the first evidence of pathology in the forelimb of the primitive saber-toothed felid Promegantereon ogygia, observed in a radius from the late Miocene (Vallesian, MN 10) site of La Roma 2 (Teruel, Spain). This fossil is the first evidence of a member of the Machairodontinae in this locality, and the first fossil of this species found in the Miocene basin of Teruel. The radius shows an exostosis shaped as a rough and wide bony crest probably caused by the lesion and posterior ossification of part of the tendon of the muscle abductor pollicis longus, an important extensor and abductor of the thumb. The lesion was probably due to a tearing or to high levels of exertion experienced by this muscle over a relatively long time, a general type of lesion also observed in other vertebrate fossils. With saber-toothed felids using their thumbs to immobilize prey during the hunt, the studied lesion probably affected in a significant manner the predatory abilities of the animal, causing at least a decrease in its hunting success rate.