Betanin as a multipath oxidative stress and inflammation modulator: a beetroot pigment with protective effects on cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.

Oxidative stress is a common physiopathological condition enrolled in risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Individuals in such a redox imbalance status present endothelial dysfunctions and inflammation, reaching the onset of heart disease. Phytochemicals are able to attenuate the main mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation and should be considered as supportive therapies to manage risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including betanin (betanidin-5-O-ß-glucoside), a pigment displaying the potential to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammantion, as previously demonstrated in preclinical trials. Betanin resists gastrointestinal digestion, is absorbed by the epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa and reaches the plasma in its active form. Betanin displays free-radical scavenger ability through hydrogen or electron donation, preserving lipid structures and LDL particles while inducing the transcription of antioxidant genes through the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and, simultaneously, suppressing the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-B pathways. This review discusses the anti-radical and gene regulatory cardioprotective activities of betanin in the pathophysiology of endothelial damage and atherogenesis, the main conditions for cardiovascular disease. In addition, betanin influences on these multipath cellular signals and aiding in reducing cardiovascular disorders is proposed.

Aldehyde Accumulation in Aged Alcoholic Beer: Addressing Acetaldehyde Impacts on Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer Risks.

Aldehydes, particularly acetaldehyde, are carcinogenic molecules and their concentrations in foodstuffs should be controlled to avoid upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) and liver cancers. Highly reactive, acetaldehyde forms DNA and protein adducts, impairing physiological functions and leading to the development of pathological conditions. The consumption of aged beer, outside of the ethanol metabolism, exposes habitual drinkers to this carcinogen, whose concentrations can be over-increased due to post-brewing chemical and biochemical reactions. Storage-related changes are a challenge faced by the brewing industry, impacting volatile compound formation and triggering flavor instability. Aldehydes are among the volatile compounds formed during beer aging, recognized as off-flavor compounds. To track and understand aldehyde formation through multiple pathways during beer storage, consequent changes in flavor but particularly quality losses and harmful compound formation, this systematic review reunited data on volatile compound profiles through gas chromatography analyses from 2011 to 2021. Conditions to avoid flavor instability and successful methods for reducing beer staling, and consequent acetaldehyde accumulation, were raised by exploring the dynamic conversion between free and bound-state aldehydes. Future research should focus on implementing sensory analyses to investigate whether adding aldehyde-binding agents, e.g., cysteine and bisulfite, would contribute to consumer acceptance, restore beer flavor, and minimize acetaldehyde-related health damage.

Bioactive Compounds from Pale Ale Beer Powder Attenuate Experimental Colitis in BALB/c Mice.

Phenolic compounds (PCs) present in foods are associated with a decreased risk of developing inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to extract and characterize PCs from craft beer powder and evaluate their potential benefits in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PCs were extracted and quantified from pure beer samples. BALB/c mice received either the beer phenolic extract (BPE) or beer powder fortified with phenolic extract (BPFPE) of PCs daily for 20 days by gavage. Colon samples were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice lost more weight, had reduced colon length, and developed more inflammatory changes compared with DSS-induced mice treated with either BPE or BPFPE. In addition, in DSS-induced mice, the densities of CD4- and CD11b-positive cells, apoptotic rates, and activation of NF-κB and p-ERK1/2 MAPK intracellular signaling pathways were higher in those treated with BPE and BPFPE than in those not treated. Pretreatment with the phenolic extract and BPFPE remarkably attenuated DSS-induced colitis. The protective effect of PCs supports further investigation and development of therapies for human IBD.

Increasing the Power of Polyphenols through Nanoencapsulation for Adjuvant Therapy against Cardiovascular Diseases.

Polyphenols play a therapeutic role in vascular diseases, acting in inherent illness-associate conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and oxidative stress, as demonstrated by clinical trials and epidemiological surveys. The main polyphenol cardioprotective mechanisms rely on increased nitric oxide, decreased asymmetric dimethylarginine levels, upregulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes via the Nrf2-ARE pathway and anti-inflammatory action through the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB and PPAR-γ receptor. However, poor polyphenol bioavailability and extensive metabolization restrict their applicability. Polyphenols carried by nanoparticles circumvent these limitations providing controlled release and better solubility, chemical protection, and target achievement. Nano-encapsulate polyphenols loaded in food grade polymers and lipids appear to be safe, gaining resistance in the enteric route for intestinal absorption, in which the mucoadhesiveness ensures their increased uptake, achieving high systemic levels in non-metabolized forms. Nano-capsules confer a gradual release to these compounds, as well as longer half-lives and cell and whole organism permanence, reinforcing their effectiveness, as demonstrated in pre-clinical trials, enabling their application as an adjuvant therapy against cardiovascular diseases. Polyphenol entrapment in nanoparticles should be encouraged in nutraceutical manufacturing for the fortification of foods and beverages. This study discusses pre-clinical trials evaluating how nano-encapsulate polyphenols following oral administration can aid in cardiovascular performance.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass as a source of next-generation food preservatives: Evaluating potential proteins as a source of antimicrobial peptides.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the main biotechnological tool for the production of Baker's or Brewer's biomasses, largely applied in beverage and fermented-food production. Through its gene expression reprogramming and production of compounds that inactivate the growth of other microorganisms, S. cerevisiae is able to grow in adverse environments and in complex microbial consortia, as in fruit pulps and root flour fermentations. The distinct set of up-regulated genes throughout yeast biomass propagation includes those involved in sugar fermentation, ethanol metabolization, and in protective responses against abiotic stresses. These high abundant proteins are precursors of several peptides with promising health-beneficial activities such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, antidiabetes, and mitogenic properties. An in silico investigation of these S. cerevisiae derived peptides produced during yeast biomass propagation or induced by physicochemical treatments were performed using four algorithms to predict antimicrobial candidates encrypted in abundantly expressed stress-related proteins encoded by different genes like AHP1, TSA1, HSP26, SOD1, HSP10, and UTR2, or metabolic enzymes involved in carbon source utilization, like ENO1/2, TDH1/2/3, ADH1/2, FBA1, and PDC1. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and enolase II are noteworthy precursor proteins, since they exhibited the highest scores concerning the release of antimicrobial peptide candidates. Considering the set of genes upregulated during biomass propagation, we conclude that S. cerevisiae biomass, a food-grade product consumed and marketed worldwide, should be considered a safe and nonseasonal source for designing next-generation bioactive agents, especially protein encrypting antimicrobial peptides that display broad spectra activity and could reduce the emergence of microbial resistance while also avoiding cytotoxicity.

Salmonella enterica: A hidden risk for dry-cured meat consumption?

Meat curing, fermentation, and drying are both preservation technologies, and traditional manufacturing practices. Despite being considered a safe food, due to the several hurdles that prevent pathogen growth, dry-cured meat manufacturing may not ensure complete pathogen elimination. Besides, the final products are still susceptible to microbial contamination. Salmonella enterica is noteworthy among the pathogenic microorganisms that can contaminate these products. To survive hypertonic/hyperosmotic, acid, and low aw/desiccation stresses intrinsically associated with dry-curing, Salmonella has evolved with highly sophisticated mechanisms, comprising sensors/receptors, signaling cascade systems, and enzymes/transcription factors that ensure their tolerance and survival despite many harsh environmental conditions. Links between osmotic and acid stresses, such as the dissociable sigma factor of RNA polymerase, which regulates gene transcription, and mutual membrane receptors like the two-component system EnvZ/OmpR, which senses abiotic conditions, lead to stress cross-protection. Furthermore, virulence gene expression seems to be triggered by sublethal stresses on pre-adapted Salmonella cells, increasing their adherence and invasiveness of host cells. These are evidence that the ability to tolerate stresses enhances Salmonella pathogenicity and compromises the safety of dry-cured meats, by sheltering the pre-exposed and, subsequently, more virulent, stressed bacterial cells.

Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Benefits of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Corms, an Underexploited Tuber Crop.

Taro corms contain valuable bioactive molecules effective against cancer and cancer-related risk factors, such as carcinogens and biological agents, several pathophysiological conditions, including oxidative stress and inflammation, while controlling metabolic dysfunctions and boosting the immunological response. Such broad effects are achieved by the taro health-influencing compounds displaying antitumoral, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Taro bioactivities are attributed to the combination of tarin, taro-4-I polysaccharide, taro polysaccharides 1 and 2 (TPS-1 and TPS-2), A-1/B-2 α-amylase inhibitors, monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs), digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGs), polyphenols, and nonphenolic antioxidants. Most of these compounds have been purified and successfully challenged in vitro and in vivo, proving their involvement in the aforementioned activities. Although these health-promoting effects have been recognized since ancient times, as well as other valuable features of taro for food profit, such as hypo-allergenicity, gluten-free, and carbohydrates with medium-glycemic index, taro crop remains underexploited. The popularization of taro intake should be considered a dietary intervention strategy to be applied to improve the overall health status of the organism and as supportive therapy to manage tumorigenesis.

Proteomic Analyses Reveal New Insights on the Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Chitosan Biopolymers and Their Nanosized Particles against Escherichia coli.

The well-known antimicrobial effects of chitosan (CS) polymers make them a promising adjuvant in enhancing antibiotic effectiveness against human pathogens. However, molecular CS antimicrobial mechanisms remain unclear, despite the insights presented in the literature. Thus, the aim of the present study was to depict the molecular effects implicated in the interaction of low or medium molecular mass CS polymers and their nanoparticle-counterparts against Escherichia coli. The differential E. coli proteomes sensitized to either CS polymers or nanoparticles were investigated by nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (micro-LC-MS/MS). A total of 127 proteins differentially expressed in CS-sensitized bacteria were predominantly involved in (i) structural functions associated to the stability of outer membrane, (ii) increment of protein biosynthesis due to high abundance of ribosomal proteins and (iii) activation of biosynthesis of amino acid and purine metabolism pathways. Antibacterial activity of CS polymers/nanoparticles seems to be triggered by the outer bacterial membrane disassembly, leading to increased protein biosynthesis by diverting the metabolic flux to amino acid and purine nucleotides supply. Understanding CS-antibacterial molecular effects can be valuable to optimize the use of CS-based nanomaterials in food decontamination, and may represent a breakthrough on CS nanocapsules-drug delivery devices for novel antibiotics, as the chitosan-disassembly of bacteria cell membranes can potentialize antibiotic effects.

Liposomal Taro Lectin Nanocapsules Control Human Glioblastoma and Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation.

The search for natural anticancer agents and nanocarrier uses are a part of the current strategies to overcome the side effects caused by chemotherapeutics. Liposomal nanocapsules loaded with purified tarin, a potential immunomodulatory and antitumoral lectin found in taro corms, were produced. Liposomes were composed by 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine, cholesterylhemisuccinate, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[folate(polyethylene glycol)-2000 prepared by thin-film hydration. Small unilamellar vesicles were achieved by sonication and extrusion. Scanning electron microscopy evidenced round-shaped nanocapsules presenting a smooth surface, 150 nm diameter and polydispersity index <0.2, estimated by dynamic light scattering. Tarin entrapment rates were over 80% and leakage of ~3% under 40 days of storage at 4 °C. Entrapped tarin exhibited an 83% release after 6 h at pH 4.6⁻7.4 and 36 °C. Both free and encapsulated tarin exhibited no in vitro toxicity against healthy mice bone marrow and L929 cells but stimulated the production of fibroblast-like and large round-shaped cells. Encapsulated tarin resulted in inhibition of human glioblastoma (U-87 MG) and breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) proliferation, with an IC50 of 39.36 and 71.38 µg/mL, respectively. The effectiveness of encapsulated tarin was similar to conventional chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and temozolide. Tarin liposomal nanocapsules exhibited superior pharmacological activity compared to free tarin as a potential chemotherapy adjuvant.

Betanin, a Natural Food Additive: Stability, Bioavailability, Antioxidant and Preservative Ability Assessments.

Betanin is the only betalain approved for use in food and pharmaceutical products as a natural red colorant. However, the antioxidant power and health-promoting properties of this pigment have been disregarded, perhaps due to the difficulty in obtaining a stable chemical compound, which impairs its absorption and metabolism evaluation. Herein, betanin was purified by semi-preparative HPLC-LC/MS and identified by LC-ESI(+)-MS/MS as the pseudomolecular ion m/z 551.16. Betanin showed significant stability up to -30 °C and mild stability at chilling temperature. The stability and antioxidant ability of this compound were assessed during a human digestion simulation and ex vivo colon fermentation. Half of the betanin amount was recovered in the small intestine digestive fluid and no traces were found after colon fermentation. Betanin high antioxidant ability was retained even after simulated small intestine digestion. Betanin, besides displaying an inherent colorant capacity, was equally effective as a natural antioxidant displaying peroxy-radical scavenger ability in pork meat. Betanin should be considered a multi-functional molecule able to confer an attractive color to frozen or refrigerated foods, but with the capacity to avoid lipid oxidation, thereby preserving food quality. Long-term supplementation by beetroot, a rich source of betanin, should be stimulated to protect organisms against oxidative stress.

Dynamics of volatile compounds in TSH 565 cocoa clone fermentation and their role on chocolate flavor in Southeast Brazil.

The effects of indigenous fermentation on volatile compound profiles in a Theobroma cacao L, TSH565 clone, resistant to Moniliophtora perniciosa and Phytophthora spp. were evaluated in Southern Brazil. Sixty-three volatile flavor compounds in pulp and 36 in grains were identified by SPME-HS/GC-MS and classified as terpenes, alcohols, esters, ketones and aldehydes, among others. The relative amount of these compounds and their evolution until the end of the fermentation process were assessed in both fresh and fermented grains/pulp masses. ß-myrcene and ß-cis-ocimene, among terpenes, were detected in high amounts and are associated to a fine chocolate aroma. The sensory evaluation of chocolates manufactured from the fermented cocoa was performed by trained panelists, which defined 15 sensory descriptors. Chocolates from the TSH565 cultivar were characterized by a rich, fruity, intense cocoa flavor and bitterness, which are valuable sensorial and commercial attributes.

Recovery of Antimicrobials and Bioaccessible Isoflavones and Phenolics from Soybean (Glycine max) Meal by Aqueous Extraction.

Soybeans display strategic potential in food security as a source of protein and functional bioactives for human consumption. Polyphenols and other bioactive compounds can be recovered after an aqueous extraction from soybean meal, a byproduct of soy oil refining. The objective of the present study was to compile and quantify compounds from soybean oil refinery by-products, providing information about valuable bioactive phytochemicals, their bioaccessibility and potential bioactivities. Genistin, daidzin, glycitin and malonylgenistin were the predominant isoflavones, and the overall bioaccessibility of their glycosidic forms was of nearly 75%. Sixteen phenolics were identified and caffeic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic chlorogenic acid and hesperidin were the most predominant. Approximately 30% of gallic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid and myricetin were released and the antioxidant capacity of aqueous extract was enhanced after simulated in vitro gastro intestinal digestion. The ability of aqueous soybean meal extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation was higher than natural and synthetic food antioxidants. Antimicrobial activity against several foodborne pathogens and antitumoral activity towards human glioblastoma cell line were also observed, but the aqueous extract showed no cytotoxicity to healthy murine cells. Compounds derived from the aqueous soybean meal extract have the potential to be used as health promoting agents.

Edible Chitosan Films and Their Nanosized Counterparts Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity and Enhanced Mechanical and Barrier Properties.

Chitosan and chitosan-nanoparticles were combined to prepare biobased and unplasticized film blends displaying antimicrobial activity. Nanosized chitosans obtained by sonication for 5, 15, or 30 min were combined with chitosan at 3:7, 1:1, and 7:3 ratios, in order to adjust blend film mechanical properties and permeability. The incorporation of nanosized chitosans led to improvements in the interfacial interaction with chitosan microfibers, positively affecting film mechanical strength and stiffness, evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Nanosized or blend chitosan film sensitivity to moisture was significantly decreased with the drop in biocomposite molecular masses, evidenced by increased water solubility and decreased water vapor permeability. Nanosized and chitosan interactions gave rise to light biobased films presenting discrete opacity and color changes, since red-green and yellow-blue colorations were affected. All chitosan blend films exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The performance of green unplasticized chitosan blend films displaying diverse morphologies has, thus, been proven as a potential step towards the design of nontoxic food packaging biobased films, protecting against spoilage microorganisms, while also minimizing environmental impacts.

Analysis of the cocobiota and metabolites of Moniliophthora perniciosa-resistant Theobroma cacao beans during spontaneous fermentation in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cocoa bean fermentation is a spontaneous process involving a succession of microbial activities, yeasts, lactic acid, and acetic acid bacteria. The spontaneous fermentation of cocoa beans by Theobroma cacao TSH565 clonal variety, a highly productive hybrid resistant to Moniliophthora perniciosa and Phytophthora spp., was investigated. The natural cocobiota involved in the spontaneous fermentation of this hybrid in southern Brazil, was investigated by using both a culture-dependent microbiological analysis and a molecular analysis. The changes in the physicochemical characteristics and the kinetics of substrate utilization and metabolite production during fermentation were also evaluated. RESULTS: Yeasts (178) and bacteria (244) isolated during fermentation were identified by partial sequencing of the ITS and 16S rDNAs, respectively. After 144 h of fermentation, the indigenous yeast community was composed of Hanseniaspora spp., Saccharomyces spp., and Pichia spp. The bacterial population comprised Lactococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Acetobacter spp. and Lactobacilli strains. The kinetics of substrate transformation reflected the dynamic composition of the cocobiota. Substrates such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, and citric acid, present at the beginning of fermentation, were metabolized to produce ethanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid. CONCLUSION: The results described here provide new insights into microbial diversity in cocoa bean-pulp mass fermentation and the kinetics of metabolites synthesis, and pave the way for the selection of starter cultures to increase efficiency and consistency to obtain homogeneous and best quality cocoa products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tarin, a Potential Immunomodulator and COX-Inhibitor Lectin Found in Taro (Colocasia esculenta).

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) corm is a rustic staple food, rich in small starch granules, fibers, and bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, tannins, phytates, micronutrients, and proteins, including tarin, a GNA-related lectin. Tarin exhibits recognized biocide activities against viruses and insects, has antitumoral properties and is an immunomodulator molecule candidate. It has been isolated in highly purified form (>90%) from taro corms through low-cost and single-step affinity chromatography. It comprises 2-domain 27 to 28 kDa protomer, posttranslational cleaved into 2 nonidentical monomers, 11.9 and 12.6 kDa, held by noncovalent binding. At least 10 tarin isoforms sharing over 70% similarity have been described. The monomers assume the ß-prism II fold, consisting of 3 antiparallel ß-sheets formed by 4 ß-strands each. Tarin exhibits an expanded-binding site for complex and high-mannose N-glycan chains 49, 212, 213, 358, 465, and 477 found on cell surface antigens of viruses, insects, cancer, and hematopoietic cells, explaining its broad biological activities. Tarin may stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses, enabling hosts to recover from infections or immunosuppressed status inherent to several pathological conditions. In a murine model, tarin stimulates the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of total spleen and bone marrow cells, especially B lymphocytes. Granulocyte repopulation has also been demonstrated in long-term mice bone marrow cell cultures. As a potential immunomodulator, tarin, administered to immunosuppressed mice, attenuated cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia. We propose a molecular model that unites the potential prophylactic and therapeutic action of tarin on hematopoietic and cancer cells, as a potential immunomodulator.

High-resolution crystal structures of Colocasia esculenta tarin lectin.

Tarin, the Colocasia esculenta lectin from the superfamily of α-d-mannose-specific plant bulb lectins, is a tetramer of 47 kDa composed of two heterodimers. Each heterodimer possesses homologous monomers of ~11.9 (A chain) and ~12.7 (B chain) kDa. The structures of apo and carbohydrate-bound tarin were solved to 1.7 Å and 1.91 Å, respectively. Each tarin monomer forms a canonical ß-prism II fold, common to all members of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) family, which is partially stabilized by a disulfide bond and a conserved hydrophobic core. The heterodimer is formed through domain swapping involving the C-terminal ß-strand and the ß-sheet on face I of the prism. The tetramer is assembled through the dimerization of the B chains from heterodimers involving face II of each prism. The 1.91 Å crystal structure of tarin bound to Manα(1,3)Manα(1,6)Man reveals an expanded carbohydrate-binding sequence (QxDxNxVxYx4/6WX) on face III of the ß-prism. Both monomers possess a similar fold, except for the length of the loop, which begins after the conserved tyrosine and creates the binding pocket for the α(1,6)-terminal mannose. This loop differs in size and amino-acid composition from 10 other ß-prism II domain proteins, and may confer carbohydrate-binding specificity among members of the GNA-related lectin family.

In vitro physiological and antibacterial characterization of ZnO nanoparticle composites in simulated porcine gastric and enteric fluids.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea in piglets is one of the main causes of animal death after weaning; zinc oxide (ZnO) has been used in high doses for the control of this sickness. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized and immobilized on a chitosan/alginate (CH/SA) complex and investigate the antimicrobial activity and in vitro release profile of zinc (Zn2+) from these new compounds. The ZnO nanoparticles composites were prepared and combined with CH/SA or CH/SA and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The structure and morphology of the composites were analyzed by characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The crystallite size of ZnO nano was 17 nm and the novel ZnO composites were effective in protecting ZnO in simulated gastric fluid, where Zn2+ reached a concentration six-fold higher than the levels obtained with the unprotected commercial-zinc oxide. In addition, the novel composites suggest effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS: The results described herein suggest that the novel nano composites may work as an alternative product for pig feeding as verified by the in vitro assays, and may also contribute to lower the zinc released in the environment by fecal excretion in animals waste.

Structural analysis and binding properties of isoforms of tarin, the GNA-related lectin from Colocasia esculenta.

The lectins, a class of proteins that occur widely in animals, plants, fungi, lichens and microorganisms, are known for their ability to specifically bind to carbohydrates. Plant lectins can be classified into 12 families including the Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)-related lectin superfamily, which is widespread among monocotyledonous plants and binds specifically to mannose, a behavior that confers remarkable anti-tumor, anti-viral and insecticidal properties on these proteins. The present study characterized a mitogenic lectin from this family, called tarin, which was purified from the crude extract from taro (Colocasia esculenta). The results showed that tarin is a glycoprotein with 2-3% carbohydrate content, composed of least 10 isoforms with pIs ranging from 5.5 to 9.5. The intact protein is a heterotetramer of 47kDa composed of two non-identical and non-covalently associated polypeptides, with small subunits of 11.9kDa and large subunits of 12.6kDa. The tarin structure is stable and recovers or maintains its functional structure following treatments at different temperatures and pH. Tarin showed a complex carbohydrate specificity, binding with high affinity to high-mannose and complex N-glycans. Many of these ligands can be found in viruses, tumor cells and insects, as well as in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Chemical modifications confirmed that both conserved and non-conserved amino acids participate in this interaction. This study determined the structural and ligand binding characteristics of a GNA-related lectin that can be exploited for several different purposes, particularly as a proliferative therapeutic molecule that is able to enhance the immunological response.

Identification and molecular phylogeny of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates from Minas Frescal cheese in southeastern Brazil: Superantigenic toxin production and antibiotic resistance.

Minas Frescal is a typical Brazilian fresh cheese and one of the most popular dairy products in the country. This white soft, semiskimmed, nonripened cheese with high moisture content is obtained by enzymatic coagulation of cow milk using calf rennet or coagulants, usually in industrial dairy plants, but is also manufactured in small farms. Contamination of Minas Frescal by several staphylococci has been frequently reported. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) strains are maybe the most harmful, as they are able to produce heat-stable enterotoxins with super antigenic activities in food matrices, especially in dairy products such as soft cheeses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of CNS strains in Minas Frescal marketed in southeastern Brazil concerning the risk of staphylococci food poisoning by the consumption of improperly manufactured cheese and the possibility of these food matrices being a reservoir of staphylococcal resistance to antimicrobials. Ten distinct CNS strains were found in 6 cheeses from distinct brands. The most frequent species were Staphylococcus saprophyticus (40%), Staphylococcus xylosus (30%), Staphylococcus sciuri (20%), and Staphylococcus piscifermentans (10%). Three strains were identified to the Staphylococcus genera. Three major species groups composed of 3 refined clusters were grouped by phylogenetic analyses with similarities over to 90%. All CNS strains carried multiple enterotoxin genes, with high incidence of sea and seb (90 and 70%, respectively), followed by sec/see, seh/sei, and sed with intermediate incidence (60, 50, and 40%, respectively), and, finally, seg/selk/selq/selr and selu with the lowest incidence (20 and 10%, respectively). Real-time reverse transcription PCR and ELISA assays confirmed the enteroxigenic character of the CNS strains, which expressed and produced the enterotoxins in vitro. The CNS strains showed multiresistance to antimicrobial agents such as ß-lactams, vancomycin, and linezolid, which have therapeutic importance in both human and veterinarian medicines. The risk of staphylococci food poisoning by the consumption of improperly manufactured Minas Frescal was emphasized, in addition to the possibility of these food matrices being a reservoir for antibiotic resistance. More effective control measures concerning the presence and typing of staphylococci in raw milk and dairy derivatives should be included to prevent the spread of pathogenic strains.

Beetroot juice increase nitric oxide metabolites in both men and women regardless of body mass.

The nitrate (NO3(-)) present in beetroot juice (BJ) has been studied for its effect on the cardiovascular system by converting to nitric oxide (NO). In the present study, we evaluated the effect of BJ on the excretion of NO metabolites and its relationship with body mass in both men and women. NO metabolites - urinary NO3(-), nitrite (NO2(-)) and NOx were analyzed by using a high-performance liquid chromatography system. There were significant increases in urinary NO3(-), NO2(-) and NOx in BJ as compared to PLA (BJ without NO3(-)). No significant difference between men and women was observed in NO metabolites after BJ at any time point. There were no significant relationships between urinary NO3(-), NO2(-) and NOx and body mass in BJ intervention for both men and women. In conclusion, urinary NO metabolites after BJ consumption increases in similar manner between sexes regardless of body mass.