In Vitro Antibacterial, Anti-Adhesive and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Burdet & B.B. Simpson Root Extract against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a serious threat to public health, due to its large variety of pathogenetic mechanisms. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-MRSA activities of Krameria lappacea, a medicinal plant native to South America. Through Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass spectrometry, we analyzed the chemical composition of Krameria lappacea root extract (KLRE). The antibacterial activity of KLRE was determined by the broth microdilution method, also including the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration. Besides, we evaluated the effect on adhesion and invasion of human lung carcinoma A549 cell line by MRSA strains. The obtained results revealed an interesting antimicrobial action of this extract, which efficiently inhibit the growth, biofilm formation, adhesion and invasion of MRSA strains. Furthermore, the chemical analysis revealed the presence in the extract of several flavonoid compounds and type-A and type-B proanthocyanidins, which are known for their anti-adhesive effects. Taken together, our findings showed an interesting antimicrobial activity of KLRE, giving an important contribution to the current knowledge on the biological activities of this plant.

Nutraceuticals in the Prevention of Viral Infections, including COVID-19, among the Pediatric Population: A Review of the Literature.

In recent years, there has been a growth in scientific interest in nutraceuticals, which are those nutrients in foods that have beneficial effects on health. Nutraceuticals can be extracted, used for food supplements, or added to foods. There has long been interest in the antiviral properties of nutraceuticals, which are especially topical in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to evaluate the main nutraceuticals to which antiviral roles have been attributed (either by direct action on viruses or by modulating the immune system), with a focus on the pediatric population. Furthermore, the possible applications of these substances against SARS-CoV-2 will be considered.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Ameliorates Lipid-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in Bone Marrow Stromal Cells-Derived Adipocytes.

Recent experimental data suggest that fatty acids and lipotoxicity could play a role in the initiation and evolution of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. A functional bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) may provide support to surrounding cells and tissues or may serve as a lipid reservoir that protects skeletal osteoblasts from lipotoxicity. The present study examined the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a powerful antioxidant and precursor of glutathione, commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, on triglycerides accumulation in bone marrow stromal cells-derived adipocytes. Quantification of Oil Red O stained cells showed that lipid droplets decreased following NAC treatment. Additionally, exposure of bone marrow stromal cells (HS-5) to NAC increased adiponectin, PPARγ, HO-1, and SIRT-1 and increased beta-oxidation markers such as PPARα and PPARδ mRNA levels. As there is now substantial interest in alternative medicine, the observed therapeutic value of NAC should be taken into consideration in diabetic patients.