ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Global health concerns persist in the realm of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), necessitating innovative strategies for both prevention and treatment. This narrative review aims to explore the potential of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-namely, acetate, propionate, and butyrate-as agents in the realm of postbiotics for the management of CVDs. RECENT FINDINGS: We commence our discussion by elucidating the concept of postbiotics and their pivotal significance in mitigating various aspects of cardiovascular diseases. This review centers on a comprehensive examination of diverse SCFAs and their associated receptors, notably GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a. In addition, we delve into the intricate cellular and pharmacological mechanisms through which these receptors operate, providing insights into their specific roles in managing cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke. The integration of current information in our analysis highlights the potential of both SCFAs and their receptors as a promising path for innovative therapeutic approaches in the field of cardiovascular health. The idea of postbiotics arises as an optimistic and inventive method, presenting new opportunities for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
ABSTRACT
The effects of B. subtilis on the morphology and physiology of saffron were investigated using two types of soils. Three different bacterial suspensions were applied at 14-day intervals to treat saffron. Morphological attributes were recorded, and the amounts of α-crocin and safranal in the stigma extracts were quantified. The longest stigma, petal, and leaf were observed in the treated groups with 105 and 108 cfu/ml. The highest weight of stigma per corm belonged to the treated groups with 102 cfu/ml in unsterile soil and 105 and 108 cfu/ml in sterile soil. Treatment with 102 and 108 cfu/ml caused a significant increase in safranal production in sterile and unsterile peat/perlite. While treatment with 105 and 108 cfu/ml in sterile peat/perlite and exposure to 102 cfu/ml in unsterile peat/perlite soil resulted in an increase in α-crocin. The data showed that B. subtlis triggers the morphological and physiological processes in saffron.
ABSTRACT
Microbial proteases are enzymes secreted by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and have attracted significant attention due to their versatile applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, certain proteases have been used in the development of skin health products and cosmetics. This article provides a review of microbial proteases in terms of their classification, sources, properties, and applications. Moreover, different pharmacological and molecular investigations have been reviewed. Various biological activities of microbial proteases, such as Arazyme, collagenase, elastin, and Nattokinase, which are involved in the digestion of dietary proteins, as well as their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory effects have been included. Furthermore, their ability to control infections and treat various disorders has been discussed. Finally, this review highlights the potential applications and future perspectives of microbial proteases in biotechnology and biomedicine, and proposes further studies to develop new perspectives for disease control and health-promoting strategies using microbial resources.
