Human Milk Microbiome-A Review of Scientific Reports.

One of the most important bioactive components of breast milk are free breast milk oligosaccharides, which are a source of energy for commensal intestinal microorganisms, stimulating the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides in a child's digestive tract. There is some evidence that maternal, perinatal, and environmental-cultural factors influence the modulation of the breast milk microbiome. This review summarizes research that has examined the composition of the breast milk microbiome and the factors that may influence it. The manuscript highlights the potential importance of the breast milk microbiome for the future development and health of children. The origin of bacteria in breast milk is thought to include the mother's digestive tract (entero-mammary tract), bacterial exposure to the breast during breastfeeding, and the retrograde flow of breast milk from the infant's mouth to the woman's milk ducts. Unfortunately, despite increasingly more precise methods for assessing microorganisms in human milk, the topic of the human milk microbiome is still quite limited and requires scientific research that takes into account various conditions.

The Eleutherococcus senticosus fruits' intractum affects changes in the transepithelial electric potential in the distal section of the rabbit's large intestine and inhibits hyaluronidase.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. has been used in traditional Russian medicine due to its recognized immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds present in the fruits have demonstrated the capability to modulate the activity of enzymes such as hyaluronidase, suggesting their potential value in the development of effective therapies for various conditions where anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial, such as gastrointestinal diseases and tumor growth. AIM OF THE STUDY: In order to support the use of the fruits in folk medicine, this study is aimed to evaluate, post-mortem, the impact of E. senticosus fruits intractum (40 % extract made from fresh fruits) on the transepithelial electrogenic transport of sodium ions in the colon. The objective of this study was also to examine the impact of the intractum on proinflammatory serum hyaluronidase in children diagnosed with acute leukemia. METHODS: The study employed the Ussing technique to examine electrophysiological characteristics of isolated epithelial tissue, using the distal colon wall isolated from 10 New Zealand white male rabbits. The effect of the intractum on the inhibition of human serum hyaluronidase was examined with turbidimetric screening methods, using the blood samples collected from patients diagnosed with acute leukemia. RESULTS: For the first time, we discovered that the intractum used in the stimulation fluid, caused hyperpolarization reactions in colon tissue. Statistical analysis showed that these reactions were significantly different in relation to the control. The intractum significantly inhibited hyaluronidase activity with the mean value by group of 60 %, and 40 % for aescin used as a control. CONCLUSION: The results support the traditional use of the fruits in inflammatory-related diseases. The use of intractum of E. senticosus on the distal colon wall demonstrates its protective effect on the wall integrity and in a relation to hyaluronidase inhibition may additionally indicate its anti-inflammatory property. Thus, the results mean that the intractum may be used in colon-related diseases.

30-Min Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Influences Airway Ion Transport-An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important causes of cancer in humans. However, it has not been proven how long exposure to cigarette smoke is sufficient to induce cancerogenesis. Cigarette smoke can cause changes in ion and water transport and the maintenance of mucociliary transport. The conducted research concerned the assessment of changes in ion transport in rabbit tracheal specimens after 30 min of exposure to cigarette smoke. Materials and Methods: A modified Ussing chamber was used to measure the transepithelial electrical potential under stationary conditions (PD) and during mechanical stimulation (PDmin), and the transepithelial electrical resistance (R) in control and cigarette smoke-exposed tracheal fragments. Results: Significant changes in PD (-2.53 vs. -3.92 mV) and PDmin (-2.74 vs. -0.39 mV) were noted for the samples exposed to smoke, which can be associated with a rise in reactivity after applying a mechanical stimulus. In addition, the measured R (108 vs. 136 Ω/cm2) indicated no changes in the vitality of the samples, but an increase in their permeability to ions in the experimental conditions. Conclusions: A single 30-min exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to be associated with increased permeability of the tracheal epithelium to ions and thus to substances emitted during smoking, which might be sufficient to create the possibility of initiating procarcinogenic processes.

Lipid Peroxidation as a Possible Factor Affecting Bone Resorption in Obese Subjects-Preliminary Research.

Oxidative stress, which promotes bone catabolism, also affects the quality of bone tissue. We aimed to assess the impact of metabolic disorders and oxidant-antioxidant imbalance associated with primary obesity on bone resorption and formation processes. Anthropometric parameters, metabolic variables, oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, vitamins A and E, uric acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, type 1 paraoxonase, iron-reducing plasma antioxidant power) and markers of bone turnover (type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide and the type I collagen C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide; P1NP and CTX) were assessed in 108 Polish participants. Under the influence of oxidative stress, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms were stimulated in obese subjects, especially in women, who had increased lipid peroxidation and activity of catalase (particularly in first-degree obesity) and decreased vitamin E concentration. The process of lipid peroxidation, as well as the weakening of the bone formation, was strongly manifested in women at a BMI range of 35.0-39.9 kg/m2 but not at BMI > 40.0 kg/m2, but it had a comprehensive negative impact on bone turnover in obese men. Obesity and its degree of advancement significantly affected the decrease in the concentration of the marker of bone formation-P1NP-only in the plasma of women. Excessive body weight had no effect on the value of the bone resorption marker in plasma, regardless of gender. Our results confirm the existence of the "obesity paradox" in the aspect of bone tissue metabolism and suggest that a specific body weight threshold changed the molecular response of the tissue.

Evaluation of Serum Iron Parameters among Men Performing Regular Physical Activity-A Preliminary Study.

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common issues in clinical practice. It can be caused by intense physical activity, among other things. The aim of the study was to assess serum iron parameters in a group of men who engage in regular physical activity. The study group was composed of 20 men who regularly perform strength or endurance sports, whereas the control group consisted of 20 men without any sports activity. The red blood cell (RBC) parameters, platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell (WBC) count in venous blood samples were assessed with an automated hematology analyzer. The serum concentration of ferritin was determined through an immunology assay. There were no statistically significant differences between groups comparing RBC parameters and WBC. However, statistical analysis showed dissimilarity in PLT count and serum ferritin concentration comparing control and study groups (p < 0.05). It was shown that lower serum ferritin concentration concerns men with regular physical activity, whereas other blood parameters were not affected in this group.

Serum Paraoxonase-1 Activity in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Brachytherapy as a Measure of Irradiation Efficacy.

We investigated changes in the activity of antioxidant paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing radiotherapy (RT), as well as the relationship of the PON1 activity with the degree of PCa advancement. We included 84 men with PCa. Blood samples were obtained before irradiation and after the completion of RT. The control group was composed of 60 healthy men. There was no significant difference in the PON1 activity between the control group and patients pre-radiotherapy. Irradiation was associated with a significant decrease in the PON1 activity; thus, it could be a measure of the efficacy of RT. No significant correlations between the PON1 activity and Gleason score, prostate volume, BMI (body mass index), or adipose tissue thickness were found. However, there was a positive correlation between the PON1 activity and the PSA concentration in the group of PCa patients.

Safety Assessment of Foods and Drinks Consumed by People on a Gluten-Free Diet.

Naturally gluten-free foods and processed foods that do not contain information about the potential presence of gluten in them pose a hypothetical threat to people with food allergies and celiac disease. Patients who should follow a strict gluten-free diet do not always do so. Therefore, the aim of this research was to analyze certified "gluten-free" and naturally gluten-free products without labeled "may contain gluten" information in terms of their content of gluten proteins. The enzyme immunoassay AgraQuant Gluten G12 ELISA test kit was used for the analysis. Of all the products used in the research, only 5.8% were found to contain gluten above 20 ppm. Only one product labeled "gluten-free" was contaminated with gluten at 79.3 ppm (cider cake). In addition, our research also examined the gluten content of commercial beers containing barley malt not labeled as "gluten-free". Research has shown that 60% of samples are not safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet. Our research clearly shows that many manufacturers, although they do not monitor their products for the presence of gluten in them, offer safe products, although they cannot be recommended in a gluten-free diet. Therefore, there is a strong need to increase the frequency of testing by food manufacturers for the presence of gluten in their products, so that the number of products approved for people on a gluten-free diet continues to increase.

Effect of Low High-Density Lipoprotein Level on Endothelial Activation and Prothrombotic Processes in Coronary Artery Disease-A Pilot Study.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) play an important role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between serum HDL-C concentration and proinflammatory/prothrombic activation in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The study group included 27 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and 30 stable angina pectoris (SA) patients. The control group consisted of 23 people without cardiac symptoms. In the AMI and SA groups, a lower HDL-C and a higher LDL-C/HDL-C index were observed. The SA patients had lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, sE-selectin ligand, as well as higher triglycerides and CD40 concentration in comparison with both the control and AMI groups. A higher von Willebrand Factor and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were found in both study groups. Low HDL-C concentration in the CAD patients may intensify pro-inflammatory endothelial activation and prothrombotic processes. A low concentration of HDL-C and a high value of the LDL-C/HDL-C index seem to be better indices of atherogenic processes than the LDL-C concentration alone.

The impact of Morus alba L. leaf extract on intestinal ion transport. An in vitro study.

Morus alba L. (White mulberry), is an important and popular herbal plant of the Moraceae family. It has been widely used due to its therapeutic properties, which include antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and hypolpidemic activity. The present study evaluates the effects of aqueous white mulberry leaf extract on the transepithelial ion pathway in the rabbit colon epithelium (n = 48), using electrophysiological methods. In addition, the antioxidant potential and the chemical composition of the extract were determined. A mechanical-chemical stimulation with white mulberry in RH fluid (MB-RH) caused a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in the transepithelial electrical potential difference, from - 0.130 to - 0.685 mV. Gentle washing of the intestine with white mulberry in bumetanide, used as inhibitor of transepithelial chloride pathways, resulted in 14.8% shorter reaction than during MB-RH stimulation. There were no statistically significant differences between the electric potential values measured during stimulation with amiloride solution, used as inhibitor of transepithelial sodium pathways, and white mulberry in amilorid solution (p = 0.485). A short-term application of extract to the colon epithelium is responsible for local and reversible inhibition of chloride ion channels. The extract enhances sodium ion absorption and consequently changes the electrical potential. The effect of white mulberry extract on sodium ion transport may be related to the mechanism of hypoglycaemic activity of mulberry leaves.

Serum Paraoxonase-1 Activity and the Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence in Patients Treated with Radiotherapy.

The antioxidant paraoxonase-1 (PON1) may be involved in the response to radiation-induced oxidative stress and possibly prevent cell apoptosis. The correlation of PON1 with the risk of cancer recurrence after radiotherapy (RT) is not yet explored. We investigated changes in the activity of PON1 in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing RT, and the relation of PON1 activity to the risk of recurrence after RT. We included 56 men with PCa. Blood samples were obtained before irradiation and after the completion of RT. Patients were followed for an average of 51.2 months. Each case of biochemical recurrence was confirmed with biopsy. The control group was composed of 60 healthy men. There was no significant difference in PON1 activity between the control group and patients pre-radiotherapy. Irradiation was associated with a significant decrease in PON1 activity. Patients with PCa recurrence had significantly higher serum PON1 activity than those recurrence-free, both before and after RT. PON1 activity was a predictor of PCa recurrence, with sensitivity over 80% and specificity over 64%. Our results suggest that PON1 activity may be a predictor of PCa recurrence risk after RT. Studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Serum Arylsulfatase and Acid Phosphatase Activity in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome as a Result of Oxidative Damage to Lysosomes.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and clinical disorders forming the complex of interrelated abnormalities is known as metabolic syndrome (METs). OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess the dependence of serum arylsulfatase (AS) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities on anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with METs. METHODS: In 142 patients with METs (IDF criteria), consisting of different components in different sequences (hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders), and in 65 healthy participants, basic biochemical parameters were determined in laboratory tests. The activity of serum hydrolases was determined using Bessey's (ACP) and Roy's (AS) methods. RESULTS: The AS activity is correlated with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (more strongly in women and in most advanced METs), BMI (in men), and triglycerides (TG) (in women, participants with I degree obesity, and those with three METs components). The ACP activity correlated with the WHR of patients with II degree obesity, TG in those with III degree of obesity, and total cholesterol (TC) in those with four METs components. CONCLUSION: Increased AS activity in patients with METs compared to lower AS activity in the control group may be due to decreased lysosomal function and related to the amount of adipose tissue. Low activity of ACP in the blood serum of patients with METs compared to high activity of ACP in the control group may indicate exhaustion of the lysosomal apparatus and loss of hydrolytic activity. The increase in TG and TC in groups with an increasing number of METs-defining components may be due to the abnormal lysosomal degradation of these compounds.

Determination of patulin in products containing dried fruits by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique Patulin in dried fruits.

The era of globalization causes that the export and import of food from different continents of the world are becoming more and more common, which may directly contribute to the increase in pollution in them. The presence of mycotoxin in food is an ubiquitous problem. There is very limited information on the possible influence of the composition of herbal mixtures on the presence of mycotoxins in them, which is an area where research can be expanded. The aim of this study was to determine patulin (PAT) in commercial products containing dried elderberry, rose, blueberry, rowan, hawthorn, and chokeberry fruits by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Research using this technique allowed for considering the possible influence of the composition of herbal mixtures on the concentration of patulin in them. Patulin was detected in all analyzed samples with wide range of

The influence of hydration status on ion transport in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) skin-An in vitro study.

The preservation of physiological transport of ions and water content is particularly important for maintaining the skin barrier, touch and pain stimuli, as well as the initiation of skin regeneration processes, especially after treatments associated with breaking skin continuity and wound healing difficulties. The aim of the study was to assess changes in ion transport, measured as values of transepithelial electric resistance and potential difference in stationary conditions and during mechanical-chemical stimulations, depending on the hydration status of isolated rabbit skin specimens. The specimens were divided into five groups: control (n = 22), dehydrated in 10% NaCl (n = 30), rehydrated after dehydration (n = 26), dried at 37°C (n = 26), and rehydrated after drying (n = 25). Dehydrated tissue samples showed altered resistance compared to the control; this change was maintained regardless of rehydration. In the dehydrated samples, changes in the measured electric potential were also noted, which returned to values comparable with the control after rehydration. Dehydrated skin, regardless of the cause of dehydration, responds with changes in the transport of sodium and chloride ions and the altered cellular microenvironment. It could influence the perception of stimuli, particularly pain, and slow down the regeneration processes.

Analysis of the composition and antioxidant status of breast milk in women giving birth prematurely and on time.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding with mother's milk is the best form of nutrition not only for newborn babies, but especially for premature babies, due to the health benefits of taking human food. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the basic composition, cortisol concentration and antioxidant status of breast milk samples from women giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy and comparing it with milk samples from women giving birth after 37 weeks of pregnancy. METHODS: The material for the study was milk taken from women giving birth before and after 37 weeks of pregnancy. The basic composition of breast milk was determined using a MIRIS analyzer, cortisol concentration in samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test and their total antioxidant status was assessed by DPPH and FRAP methods. RESULTS: It has been shown that the concentration of cortisol in samples of human milk in the group of women giving birth before 37 weeks was 13.95 ng / ml [4,71-86,84], while in the group of women giving birth after week 37 of pregnancy-10.31 ng / ml [2.35-39-02] (p = 0.014), while% inhibition of DPPH was 65.46% and 58.30%, respectively (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Milk from women giving birth prematurely is qualitatively different from the milk of women giving birth on time. The total antioxidant status of preterm milk is higher than term milk, which promotes the development of premature babies. Higher cortisol levels in samples from women giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy may stimulate the digestive system.

Serum levels of bone formation and resorption markers in relation to vitamin D status in professional gymnastics and physically active men during upper and lower body high-intensity exercise.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: To compare serum levels of bone turnover markers in athletes and non-athletes, and to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and exercise-induced changes in biomarker levels. METHODS: Sixteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EG; 21.4 ± 0.8 years-old) and 16 physically active men (the control group, PAM; 20.9 ± 1.2 years-old) performed lower and upper body 30-s Wingate anaerobic tests (LBWT and UBWT, respectively). For biomarker analysis, blood samples were collected before, and 5 and 30 min after exercise. Samples for vitamin D levels were collected before exercise. N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) was analysed as a marker of bone formation. C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was analysed as a marker of bone resorption. RESULTS: UBWT fitness readings were better in the EG group than in the PAM group, with no difference in LBWT readings between the groups. UBWT mean power was 8.8% higher in subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels over 22.50 ng/ml and in those with 24,25(OH)2D3 levels over 1.27 ng/ml. Serum CTX levels increased after both tests in the PAM group, with no change in the EG group. PINP levels did not change in either group; however, in PAM subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels above the median, they were higher than those in EG subjects. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D metabolites affect the anaerobic performance and bone turnover markers at rest and after exercise. Further, adaptation to physical activity modulates the effect of anaerobic exercise on bone metabolism markers.

Melatonin as a powerful antioxidant.

Melatonin is a hormone that has many body functions and, for several decades, its antioxidant potential has been increasingly talked about. There is a relationship between failure in melatonin production in the pineal gland, an insufficient supply of this hormone to the body, and the occurrence of free radical etiology diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and others. Despite the development of molecular biology, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, the exact mechanism of melatonin antioxidant activity is still unknown. Nowadays, the use of melatonin supplementation is more and more common, not only to prevent insomnia, but also to slow down the aging process and provide protection against diseases. The aim of this study is to get acquainted with current reports on melatonin, antioxidative mechanisms and their importance in diseases of free radical etiology.

Effect of Propolis Preparations on Transepithelial Electrical Potential, Resistance, and Ion Transport in In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Propolis and its ethanol extract show positive germicidal, bacteriostatic, and anti-inflammatory antioxidants and regenerative properties after use on the surface of the skin. Propolis is in common use in production of cosmetics and in folk medicine. The influence of this resinous mixture on ion channels, channels located in skin cells membranes and skin electrical resistance, was not explained. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the study was the evaluation of electrophysiological skin parameters during mechanical and chemical-mechanical stimulation after use of ethanol extract of propolis and propolis ointment in comparison with iso-osmotic Ringer solution. METHODS: Skin fragments were taken from white New Zealand rabbits and distributed into three experimental groups which were incubated in ethanol extract of propolis (EEP), propolis ointment, and Ringer solution. Then they were placed in a Ussing chamber to measure electrophysiological parameters values. RESULTS: In this study the influence of EEP on changes in value of electrical potential during block of chloride ions transport at the same time was observed. Ethanol propolis extract dissolved in water increases the transepidermal sodium ions transport in contrast to propolis ointment. CONCLUSION: The way of preparation cosmetics, which contain propolis, has effects on transepidermal ions transport in the rabbit's skin. The value of skin electrical resistance is changing with penetration depth of active propolis substances contained in cosmetics.