Impact of CYP2C19 Gene Variants on Long-Term Treatment with Atorvastatin in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

The effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies may be insufficient in high-risk cardiovascular patients and depends on the genetic variability of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Customizing statin therapy, including treatment with atorvastatin, may improve clinical outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines allowing the prediction of the therapeutic efficacy of lipid-lowering statin therapy. This study aimed to determine the effects of clinically significant gene variants of CYP2C19 on atorvastatin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes. In total, 92 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) were sequenced for target regions within the CYP2C19 gene on the Illumina Miniseq system. The CYP2C19 poor metabolizer phenotype (carriers of CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*4, and CYP2C19*8 alleles) was detected in 29% of patients. These patients had significantly lower responses to treatment with atorvastatin than patients with the normal metabolizer phenotype. CYP2C19-metabolizing phenotype, patient age, and smoking increased the odds of undertreatment in patients (∆LDL-C (mmol/L) < 1). These results revealed that the CYP2C19 phenotype may significantly impact atorvastatin therapy personalization in patients requiring LDL lipid-lowering therapy.

Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Molecular Docking Study of Dry Extracts of Matricaria discoidea DC. with Analgesic and Soporific Activities.

Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea DC.) is a widespread plant in Europe and North America. In ethnomedicine, it is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activities. The aim of this research was to develop novel methods of M. discoidea processing to obtain essential oil and dry extracts and to investigate their phytochemical compositions. Moreover, the molecular docking of the main substances and the in vivo studies on their soporific and analgesic activities were conducted. The essential oil and two dry extracts from M. discoidea were prepared. A total of 16 phenolic compounds (seven flavonoids, seven hydroxycinnamic acids, and two phenolic acids) in the dry extracts were identified by means of UPLC-MS/MS. In the essential oil, nine main terpenoids were identified by gas chromatography (GC). It was shown that phenolic extraction from the herb was successful when using 70% ethanol in a triple extraction method and at a ratio of 1:14-1:16. The in vivo studies with rodents demonstrated the analgesic activity of the M. discoidea extracts and improvements in the sleep of animals. The dry extracts of M. discoidea did not show any toxicity. The molecular docking analysis showed a high probability of COX-1,2 inhibition and NMDA receptor antagonism by the extracts.

Enterobacterales Biofilm-Specific Genes and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Biomarkers in the Blood of Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease. The main cause of IHD is atherosclerosis, which is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of blood vessels. Studies show that bacteria might have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. This study aimed to evaluate the complexity of interactions between bacteria and the human body concerning metabolites and bacterial genes in patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS: Bacterial 16S rDNA and wcaF, papC, and sdhC genes were detected in whole blood using a real-time PCR methodology. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the concentration of the LL-37 protein. An analysis of ARA in blood plasma was performed. RESULTS: Bacterial 16S rDNA was detected in 31% of the study patients, and the genes wcaF and sdhC in 20%. Enterobacterales genes were detected more frequently in patients younger than 65 years than in patients aged 65 years and older (p = 0.018) and in patients with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.048). Concentrations of the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and 12S-HETE concentrations were determined to be higher if patients had 16S rDNA and biofilm-specific genes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study enhance the understanding that Enterobacterales bacteria may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and IHD. Bacterial DNA and host metabolites in higher concentrations appear to be detected.

Phytochemical, Technological, and Pharmacological Study on the Galenic Dry Extracts Prepared from German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flowers.

Galenic preparations of German chamomile are used to treat mild skin diseases, inflammation, and spasms, and they have also been reported to have anxiolytic and sedative effects. The medicinal use of chamomile is well known in ethnomedicine. After obtaining its galenic preparations, there is lots of waste left, so it is expedient to develop waste-free technologies. The aims of this study were to gain knowledge of the ethnomedical status of chamomile in the past and present, develop methods for preparing essential oils and dry extracts from German chamomile flowers using complex processing, reveal the phytochemical composition of such extracts, and verify the analgesic and soporific activity of the extracts. Two methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers were developed, which allowed us to obtain the essential oil and dry extracts of the tincture and aqueous extracts as byproducts. A total of 22 phenolic compounds (7 hydroxycinnamic acids, 13 flavonoids, and 2 phenolic acids) were found in the dry extracts by using UPLC-MS/MS. In total, nine main terpenoids were identified in the chamomile oil, which is of the bisabolol chemotype. During the production of chamomile tincture, a raw material-extractant ratio of 1:14-1:16 and triple extraction are recommended for its highest yield. In in vivo studies with mice and rats, the extracts showed analgesic activity and improvements in sleep. The highest sedative and analgesic effects in rodents were found with the dry extract prepared by using a 70% aqueous ethanol solution for extraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The developed methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers are advisable for implementation into the pharmaceutical industry to reduce the volume of waste during the production of its essential oil and tincture, and to obtain new products.

American Cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) Leaves Extract and Its Amino-Acids Preparation: The Phytochemical and Pharmacological Study.

The liver is an organ with several important biofunctions, for which there are very few effective and safe preparations that promote the functioning, protection, and regeneration of cells. Sufficiently safe preparations with hepatoprotective activity can be found in plants. The aim of our study was to investigate the chemical composition of an extract made from American cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) leaves and its amino-acids preparations as well as their possible hepatoprotective activity. Using the UPLC-MS/MS method, we identified 19 phenolic compounds (8 flavonoids (flavones and flavonols), 4 anthocyanins, 3 hydroxycinnamic acids, and 2 catechins). The prophylactic and therapeutic administration of the American cranberry-leaves extracts led to a decrease in the lipid-peroxidation process during a study of tetrachloromethane acute toxic damage in the liver of rats. As a result of animal studies, the most effective hepatoprotective activity was found in the extract preparations with valine and arginine.

Phenolic Compounds of Rhodiola rosea L. as the Potential Alternative Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases.

The roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae), which is widely growing in Northern Europe, North America, and Siberia, have been used since ancient times to alleviate stress, fatigue, and mental and physical disorders. Phenolic compounds: phenylpropanoids rosavin, rosarin, and rosin, tyrosol glucoside salidroside, and tyrosol, are responsible for the biological action of R. rosea, exerting antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, anti-fatigue activities. R. rosea extract formulations are used as alternative remedies to enhance mental and cognitive functions and protect the central nervous system and heart during stress. Recent studies indicate that R. rosea may be used to treat diabetes, cancer, and a variety of cardiovascular and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This paper reviews the beneficial effects of the extract of R. rosea, its key active components, and their possible use in the treatment of chronic diseases. R. rosea represents an excellent natural remedy to address situations involving decreased performance, such as fatigue and a sense of weakness, particularly in the context of chronic diseases. Given the significance of mitochondria in cellular energy metabolism and their vulnerability to reactive oxygen species, future research should prioritize investigating the potential effects of R. rosea main bioactive phenolic compounds on mitochondria, thus targeting cellular energy supply and countering oxidative stress-related effects.

Investigation of Bioactive Complexes of Chitosan and Green Coffee Bean or Artichoke Extracts.

The formation of water-insoluble complexes between chitosan (ChS) and caffeoylquinic acid (CQ) derivatives present in artichoke (AE) and green coffee bean (GCBE) extracts was investigated by the equilibrium adsorption method. The UPLC/HPLC analysis revealed that the phenolic compounds accounted for 8.1% and 74.6% of AE and GCBE respectively, and CQ derivatives were the predominant compounds. According to the applied Langmuir adsorption model, anionic compounds present in natural extracts were adsorbed onto the active centers of ChS, i.e., primary amino groups. The driving forces of adsorption were electrostatic interactions between cationic groups of ChS and anionic compounds of natural extracts. Chromatographic analysis revealed that not only CQ derivatives, but also other phenolic compounds of natural extracts were attached to ChS. The release of adsorbed compounds into different media as well as the bioactive properties of complexes were also studied. With the immobilization of bioactives onto ChS, increased and prolonged ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity and decreased antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum and Botrytis cinerea were observed compared to those of ChS. The findings of the current study highlight that the adsorption approach could be used to successfully prepare water-insoluble complexes of ChS and components of natural extracts with prolonged antioxidant activity.

Optimization of Delivery and Bioavailability of Encapsulated Caffeic Acid.

Caffeic acid is a widely distributed phenolic acid. It is described in the scientific literature that caffeic acid has poor solubility. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility of caffeic acid for better dissolution kinetics when administered orally. During the study, oral capsules of different compositions were modeled. The results of the disintegration test revealed that the excipients affected the disintegration time of the capsules. The excipient hypromellose prolonged the disintegration time and dissolution time of caffeic acid. The dissolution kinetics of caffeic acid from capsules depend on the chosen excipients. P407 was more effective compared to other excipients and positively affected the dissolution kinetics of caffeic acid compared to other excipients. When the capsule contained 25 mg of ß-cyclodextrin, 85% of the caffeic acid was released after 60 min. When the capsule contained 25-50 mg poloxamer 407, more than 85.0% of the caffeic acid was released from capsules after 30 min. The research results showed that in order to improve the dissolution kinetics of caffeic acid, one of the important steps is to improve its solubility.

Fractionation and Characterization of Triterpenoids from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Cuticular Waxes and Their Potential as Anticancer Agents.

Fruit and leaf cuticular waxes are valuable source materials for the isolation of triterpenoids that can be applied as natural antioxidants and anticancer agents. The present study aimed at the semi-preparative fractionation of triterpenoids from cuticular wax extracts of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (lingonberry) leaves and fruits and the evaluation of their cytotoxic potential. Qualitative and quantitative characterization of obtained extracts and triterpenoid fractions was performed using HPLC-PDA method, followed by complementary analysis by GC-MS. For each fraction, cytotoxic activities towards the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29), malignant melanoma cell line (IGR39), clear renal carcinoma cell line (CaKi-1), and normal endothelial cells (EC) were determined using MTT assay. Furthermore, the effect of the most promising samples on cancer spheroid growth and viability was examined. This study allowed us to confirm that particular triterpenoid mixtures from lingonberry waxes may possess stronger cytotoxic activities than crude unpurified extracts. Fractions containing triterpenoid acids plus fernenol, complexes of oleanolic:ursolic acids, and erythrodiol:uvaol were found to be the most potent therapeutic candidates in the management of cancer diseases. The specificity of cuticular wax extracts of lingonberry leaves and fruits, leading to different purity and anticancer potential of obtained counterpart fractions, was also enclosed. These findings contribute to the profitable utilization of lingonberry cuticular waxes and provide considerable insights into the anticancer effects of particular triterpenoids and pharmacological interactions.

Phytoprofiling of Sorbus L. Inflorescences: A Valuable and Promising Resource for Phenolics.

The leaves and fruits of various Sorbus L. genotypes have long ethnopharmacological and food-usage histories, but inflorescences are still underutilized and neglected materials with scarce phytochemical scientific evidence. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic profiles of inflorescence extracts of 26 Sorbus species, genotypes, and cultivars. HPLC and UPLS with MS detection were applied, and coupled data revealed unique phytochemical phenolic profiles. Neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids were the key compounds, reaching up to 5.8 mg/g of dw. Rutin, isoquercitrin, quercetin 3-O-malonylglucoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, sexangularetin derivative, and kaempferol acetyl hexoside were detected in all Sorbus inflorescence samples. Overall, high quantitative heterogeneity across the various Sorbus genotypes was found by profiling. Phenolic fingerprint profiles and sexangularetin derivatives could serve as markers in authenticity studies and quality control schemes. The species S. amurensis, S. arranensis, S. commixta, and S. discolor and the cultivars 'Chamsis Louing', 'Coral Beauty', and 'Edulis' could be used as target genotypes for production of smart and innovative inflorescence matrix-based ingredients.

Evaluation of the Cardiac Electrophysiological and Haemodynamic Effects of Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil on Swine.

The demand for the development of novel medicines with few side effects and no proarrhythmic properties is increasing. Extensive research on herbal extracts has been conducted with the expectation that the compounds will exert precise effects without harmful side effects. Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. essential oil (EO) possesses antiarrhythmic properties similar to those of class 1B antiarrhythmics, such as prolonging myocardial activation of the QRS complex and shortening the QT interval. In this study, we determined the kinetic profile of EO phytocompounds and the effects of EO on heart electrical activity and arterial blood pressure. For this study, we chose to use local breed pigs that were anaesthetized. The effects of an intravenous bolus of EO on ECG parameters, arterial blood pressure, heart rate variability, and blood levels of haematological and biochemical parameters were registered and evaluated. Following an intravenous injection of a bolus, EO exerted a vasodilatory effect, resulting in significant reductions in arterial blood pressure. EO also increased the heart rate and altered ECG parameters. The bolus of EO prolonged the QRS complex, shortened the QT interval, and nonmonotonically altered the PQ interval. After the administration of a bolus of EO, the activity of the autonomic nervous system was altered. This study confirms that EO possesses similar properties to class 1B antiarrhythmics and exerts a hypotensive effect; it reduces arterial blood pressure possibly by modulating peripheral vascular resistance.

Ischemia In Vivo Induces Cardiolipin Oxidation in Rat Kidney Mitochondria.

Cardiolipin is a mitochondrial phospholipid that plays a significant role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Cardiolipin is oxidized under conditions like oxidative stress that occurs during ischemia/reperfusion; however, it is known that even during ischemia, many reactive oxygen species are generated. Our aim was to analyze the effect of in vivo ischemia on cardiolipin oxidation. Adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized; then, their abdomens were opened, and microvascular clips were placed on renal arteries for 30, 40 or 60 min, causing ischemia. After ischemia, kidneys were harvested, mitochondria were isolated, and lipids were extracted for chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin and its oxidation products. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis revealed a 47%, 68% and 74% decrease in tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin after 30 min, 40 min and 60 min of renal ischemia, respectively (p < 0.05). Eight different cardiolipin oxidation products with up to eight additional oxygens were identified in rat kidney mitochondria. A total of 40 min of ischemia caused an average of a 6.9-fold increase in all oxidized cardiolipin forms. We present evidence that renal ischemia in vivo alone induces tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin oxidation and depletion in rat kidney mitochondria.

The Phytochemical Profile and Anticancer Activity of Anthemis tinctoria and Angelica sylvestris Used in Estonian Ethnomedicine.

The aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria L. and Angelica sylvestris L. and the roots of A. sylvestris have been used as traditional anticancer remedies in Estonian ethnomedicine. The aim of this study was to investigate content of essential oils (by gas chromatography) and polyphenolic compounds (using two different methods of high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)) of both plant species, as well as the in vitro anti-cancer effects of their essential oils and methanolic extracts. The average (n = 5 samples) yield of essential oils was 0.15%, 0.13%, and 0.17%, respectively. The principal compounds of the essential oil from the aerial parts of A. tinctoria were palmitic acid (15.3%), p-cymene (12.6%), and α-muurolene (12.5%), and α-pinene (45.4%), p-cymene (15.5%), and ß-myrcene (13.3%) in aerial parts of A. sylvestris, while isocaryophyllene oxide (31.9%), α-bisabolol (17.5%), and α-pinene (12.4%) were the main constituents in the roots. The most abundant phenolic compounds in aerial parts were the derivatives of caffeic acid, quinic acid, and quercetin; the main compounds in roots of A. sylvestris were chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and naringenin. The strongest anticancer effects were observed in essential oils of A. sylvestris roots and aerial parts on human carcinoma in the mouth cells (KB, IC50 19.73 µg/mL and 19.84 µg/mL, respectively). The essential oil of A. tinctoria showed a strong effect on KB and LNCaP cells (27.75-29.96 µg/mL). The methanolic extracts of both plants had no effect on the cancer cells studied.

Investigation of Immunomodulatory and Gut Microbiota-Altering Properties of Multicomponent Nutraceutical Prepared from Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bovine Colostrum, Apple Production By-Products and Essential Oils.

Dietary components, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), bovine colostrum, apple production by-products, and essential oils, can favorably alter the host immune system and gut microbiota, however, their cumulative effect as multicomponent nutraceutical supplement has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study is the first one to evaluate a combination of LAB, bovine colostrum, dehydrated apple pomace, and essential oils for their immunomodulatory and prebiotic properties in the swine model. This study shows that supplementary feeding of pigs using multicomponent nutraceutical resulted in a statistically significant decrease in proportions of T cytotoxic and double-positive (CD4+CD8+low) cells within the CD3+ cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiment (0DPI). Conversely, a statistically significant increase in proportions of B cells (accompanied by an increase in IgG concentration) and macrophage/monocyte cells within viable cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiments, was observed. Furthermore, changes in the bacterial composition of gut microbiota in pigs fed with multicomponent nutraceutical changed significantly, with a 1.78 times higher number of probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Faecilbacterium) at the end of the experiment, compared to control group animals. This study shows a positive effect of the nutraceutical formula used on the changes of gut microbiota by facilitating an increase in probiotic bacteria strains and possible anti-inflammatory properties.

Investigation of Phenolic Composition and Anticancer Properties of Ethanolic Extracts of Japanese Quince Leaves.

Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive and invasive disease with no efficient therapy available, and there is a great need for finding alternative treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate anticancer activity of the extracts of the Japanese quince (JQ) cultivars 'Darius', 'Rondo', and 'Rasa' leaf extracts on glioblastoma C6 and HROG36 cells. As identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, the extracts contained three prevailing groups of phenols: hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives; flavan-3-ols; and flavonols. Sixteen phenols were detected; the predominant compound was chlorogenic acid. The sum of detected phenols varied significantly between the cultivars ranging from 9322 µg/g ('Rondo') to 17,048 µg/g DW ('Darius'). Incubation with the extracts decreased the viability of glioblastoma HROG36 cells with an efficiency similar to temozolomide, a drug used for glioblastoma treatment. In the case of C6 glioblastoma cells, the extracts were even more efficient than temozolomide. Interestingly, primary cerebellar neuronal-glial cells were significantly less sensitive to the extracts compared to the cancer cell lines. The results showed that JQ leaf ethanol extracts are rich in phenolic compounds, can efficiently reduce glioblastoma cell viability while preserving non-cancerous cells, and are worth further investigations as potential anticancer drugs.

The Influence of Essential Oils on Gut Microbial Profiles in Pigs.

In recent years, the intake of ultra-processed foods has increased dramatically worldwide. Missing natural foods in the diet raise the need of biologically active food components that could compensate for this deficiency and help maintain proper immune status. This study used pigs as an animal model for the assessment of the impact of consumption of Origanum vulgare plant extract combined with Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris essential oils on microbial profile in intestines. A single group of weaned pigs received basal diet, while the other group basal diet supplemented with plant extract and two essential oils in the form of bilayer tablets prepared using "liquid/solid" phase technology. Metagenomic sequencing was performed with the aim to investigate changes of microbial communities in ileum, caecum, and colon. The results demonstrated that the combination of essential oils was non cytotoxic, and had a positive effect on the microbial composition in the large intestine of pigs due to significant increase in the number of probiotic bacteria. The amount of Lactobacillus was 2.5 times and Bifidobacterium 1.9 times higher in the animal group fed with supplement. The combination, however, had some negative impact on the variety of minor species in the distal part of the ileum. Additional studies need to be performed to obtain knowledge on how combinations of essential oils can change bacterial variety in the proximal part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Interaction between cross-linked cationic starch microgranules and chlorogenic acid isomers in artichoke and green coffee bean aqueous extracts.

In the present study, the adsorption of phenolic compounds, first of all, chlorogenic acid isomers (chlorogenic, neo-chlorogenic and crypto-chlorogenic acids) predominant in the artichoke (AE) or green coffee bean (GCBE) extracts on cross-linked cationic starch having quaternary ammonium groups (CCS) has been investigated. The equilibrium adsorption studies showed that adsorption closely followed the Langmuir adsorption model, i.e. anionic substances of the extracts were interacting with quaternary ammonium groups of CCS. The UPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis showed that 8% and 17% of chlorogenic acid isomers of the total amount of adsorbed phenolics form AE and GCBE, respectively, were immobilized on CCS. The desorption study of phenolics from AE/CCS and GCBE/CCS complexes revealed that amount of desorbed AE or GCBE phenolics depended on the desorption medium. The antioxidant activity investigation showed that the immobilization of active components of extracts on CCS prevented the rapid loss of antioxidant activity. The results suppose that adsorption on modified starch technique can be successfully employed to remove important amounts of bioactive compounds from plant extracts by employing effective, sustainable and environmental friendly procedures.

Factors associated with platelet reactivity during dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with diabetes after acute coronary syndrome.

Antiplatelet drugs are prescribed without considering the diabetic status of the patient. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the impact of clinical factors, CYP4F2 enzyme and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) concentrations on high on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with diabetes treated with antiplatelet drugs following acute coronary syndromes. A total of 667 patients were included in the study. Dual antiplatelet drug loading dosages with aspirin (300 mg) and ticagrelor (180 mg) or clopidogrel (600 mg) were prescribed to all the studied patients. Testing of platelet aggregation was performed the day after loading antiplatelet drug dosages. Platelet aggregation test was done according to the classical Born method. Multivariate binary regression analysis demonstrated that insulin use and higher 20-HETE concentration increased the odds of high on-treatment platelet reactivity during the initiation of antiplatelet drug therapy (OR: 3.968, 95% CI: 1.478-10.656, p = 0.006 and OR: 1.139, 95% CI: 1.073-1.210, respectively, p < 0.001). Ticagrelor use decreased the odds of developing high on-treatment platelet reactivity (OR: 0.238, 95% CI: 0.097-0.585, p = 0.002). Data from this study revealed that high on-treatment platelet reactivity during dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with diabetes may depend on such factors as insulin prescription and 20-HETE concentration.

Flavonoids as Anticancer Agents.

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds subdivided into 6 groups: isoflavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, flavones and anthocyanidins found in a variety of plants. Fruits, vegetables, plant-derived beverages such as green tea, wine and cocoa-based products are the main dietary sources of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to possess a wide variety of anticancer effects: they modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzyme activities, participate in arresting the cell cycle, induce apoptosis, autophagy, and suppress cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Flavonoids have dual action regarding ROS homeostasis-they act as antioxidants under normal conditions and are potent pro-oxidants in cancer cells triggering the apoptotic pathways and downregulating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. This article reviews the biochemical properties and bioavailability of flavonoids, their anticancer activity and its mechanisms of action.

Fermented, ultrasonicated, and dehydrated bovine colostrum: Changes in antimicrobial properties and immunoglobulin content.

This study evaluated the influence of fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 and Lactobacillus paracasei LUHS244, ultrasonication, and different methods of dehydration on the content of IgG, IgA, and IgM in bovine colostrum (BC), as well as the antimicrobial activity of the treated and fresh BC samples [fresh = BC; freeze dried = BClyoph; vacuum dried (+45°C) = BCvacdried; BC fermented with LUHS135 = BCLUHS135; BC fermented with LUHS244 = BCLUHS244; BC fermented with LUHS135 and freeze dried = BCLUHS135lyoph; BC fermented with LUHS244 and freeze dried = BCLUHS244 lyoph; BC fermented with LUHS135 and vacuum dried = BCLUHS135 vacdried; BC fermented with LUHS244 and vacuum dried = BCLUHS244 vacdried; BC ultrasonicated and freeze dried = BCultr lyoph; BC ultrasonicated and vacuum dried = BCultr vacdried]. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanni, Proteus mirabilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Pasteurella multocida using the agar well diffusion method, as well as in liquid medium. In liquid medium analysis showed that the fermented BC samples had the broadest antimicrobial spectrum (of 15 tested pathogenic strains, BCLUHS135 vacdried and BCLUHS135lyoph inhibited 13; BCLUHS244 vacdried inhibited 12; and BCLUHS135, BCLUHS244, and BCLUHS244 lyoph inhibited 11). Based on the inhibition zones, BCLUHS135lyoph samples exhibited the broadest inhibition spectrum, inhibiting the growth of 12 of the 15 tested pathogenic strains). According to the lactic acid bacteria strain selected for BC fermentation, different properties of the BC will be obtained. To ensure a broad antimicrobial spectrum and high IgG content, fermentation with LUHS135 can be recommended (IgG concentration in BCLUHS135 was retained), whereas fermentation with LUHS244 will provide a high IgM concentration (IgM concentration increased by 48.8 and 21.6% in BCLUHS244 and BCLUHS244lyoph samples, respectively). However, IgA is very sensitive for fermentation, and further studies are needed to increase IgA stability in BC. Finally, fermented BC can be recommended as a food/beverage ingredient, providing safety, as well as improved functionality through displaying a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities.