Analysis of Biochemical and Genetic Variability of Pleurotus ostreatus Based on the ß-Glucans and CDDP Markers.

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is still one of the most cultivated edible and medicinal mushrooms. Despite its frequent cultivation around the world, there is currently just a little information available on the variability of strains in terms of the content of ß-glucans in them. This work presents an extensive study of 60 strains in terms of the content of α-glucans and ß-glucans in their caps and stipes. The authenticity of the production strains based on an analysis of the variability of their genome by CDDP (Conserved DNA-derived polymorphism) markers was confirmed, whereas identical CDDP profiles were identified between samples 45, 89, 95, and 96. Genetic variability of the analyzed production strains showed a high polymorphism and effective discriminative power of the used marking technique. Medium positive correlations were found among the CDDP profiles and ß-glucan content in the group of strains that generated the same CDDP profiles, and low negative correlation was found among these profiles in the group of low ß-glucan content strains. For the determination of glucans content, Mushroom and Yeast analytical enzymatic kit (Megazyme, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland) were used. The results clearly showed that the stipe contains on average 33% more ß-glucans than the cap. The minimum detected ß-glucan content in the stipe was in strain no. 72, specifically 22%, and the maximum in strain no. 43, specifically 56%, which after the conversion represents a difference of 155%. From the point of view of ß-glucan content, the stated strain no. 43 appears to be very suitable for the commercial production of ß-glucans under certain conditions.

Phytonutrients of Bitter Apricot Seeds Modulate Human Lipid Profile and LDL Subfractions in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds phytonutrients on cardiovascular risk factors with a special focus on LDL cholesterol subfractions using the Lipoprint system. A group of 34 adult volunteers (21 female/13 male) consumed 60 mg kg-1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily for 42 days. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with normal cholesterol levels (NTC) and one with elevated total cholesterol levels (ETC). Blood serum levels of total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) in NTC group. However, there were significant decreasing of T-C (p ˂ 0.05) and LDL-C (p < 0.01) in ETC group. The LDL1, LDL2, and atherogenic LDL3-7 subfractions progressively decreased after 42 days of apricot seeds consumption in ETC group (p < 0.05). Apricot seeds consumption was associated with a significant increase in the mean LDL particle size especially in ETC group (p ˂ 0.01). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that daily consumption of bitter apricot seeds for 42 days positively modified the lipoprotein profile in the group with elevated total cholesterol.

Obesity, smoking status and their relationships in selected population groups.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and recently the role of overweight and obesity in lung disease has received new interest. Chronic obstructive lung disease is the third-leading cause of death globally, and both obesity and diet appear to play roles in its pathophysiology. Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated an inverse association between obesity and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: Objective. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between smoking, lipid profile and obesity (body composition changes) in a selected groups of population (30 non-smokers, 30 smokers and 60 COPD patients). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated fat mass, fat free mass, body mass index and lipid profile in a group of 120 randomly selected probands (60 COPD patients; 30 smokers without COPD; 30 non-smokers without COPD) to identify possible negative relationships of smoking to body composition. To the measurement of fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) was used a device Bodystat Quadscan 4000 (Bodystat Ltd, British Isles). The device works by using four-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Laboratory parameters as total cholesterol (T-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TG) were investigated by automated clinical chemistry analyzer LISA 200th. The measured values were statistically processed and evaluated in a statistical program STATISTICA Cz. Version 7.1. (Kruskall-Wallis test). RESULTS: A comparison of the mean fat mass we found statistically highly significant differences between the group of COPD patients and non-smokers (P <0.001) and insignificant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between the other groups of our experiment. A comparison of the mean fat mass values of all three groups of the experiment shows a steady increase in fat from non-smokers (17.66 ± 10.04 kg) to COPD patients with the highest mean value (25.08 ± 10.14 kg). In the group of COPD patients we recorded the lowest average value of FFM (51.76 ± 13.84 kg), in group of smokers the middle (56.06 ± 10.76 kg) and in non-smokers the highest average value of FFM (59.91 ± 9.90 kg) at relatively the same body weight in the groups. Based on calculated body mass index (BMI), we found in group of COPD patients overweight in 15 cases (25%), obesity in 7 patients (11.67%), severe obesity in 14 patients (23.3%) and morbid obesity in 2 patients (3.33%); in the group of smokers overweight in 16 cases (53.33%), obesity in 5 cases (16.6%) and severe obesity in 1 case (3.33%); in non-smokers we recording overweight in 14 cases (46.67%), obesity in 5 cases (16.67%) and severe obesity in 2 cases (6.67%). In the lipid profile of the monitored groups of probands, we observed statistically significant differences only for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.001) between the group with COPD and smokers, as well as between the group of smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the vast majority of patients with COPD, the lung damage that leads to COPD is caused by long-term cigarette smoking. The presence and absence of risk factors such as smoking, inappropriate lipid profile and obesity (amount of fat mass) in selected population groups were observed. Additional studies to explore both the quantitative and qualitative changes in body composition with disease process of COPD are required.

Consumption of bitter apricot seeds affects lipid and endocrine profile in women.

Natural products have been attracting increasing attention in human diet, both due to the possible negative effects of synthetic food additives on human health and the increased consumer perception. Apricot seeds contain a wide variety of bioactive components and their consumption is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of consumption of bitter apricot seeds on blood lipid and endocrine profile in Slovak women (n = 18, 41.60 ± 11.28 years) of reproductive age. Volunteers consumed 60 mg.kg-1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds divided into 8-12 doses daily for 42 days. During the experiment, three blood collections were carried out (at the beginning of the experiment - day 0, and after 21 and 42 days of consumption apricot seeds). Lipid profile was measured in terms of - total cholesterol (T-C, enzymatic photometric method), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C, calculated using the Friedewald equation), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C, direct clearance method), triglycerides (TG, enzymatic colorimetric method) whereas endocrine profile - follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), 17ß-estradiol (E2), testosterone, and androstenedione was assessed by ELISA. The blood levels of T-C, HDL-C and T-C did not change significantly (P > 0.05), however, the level of LDL-C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 42 days. On the other hand, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of T-C and TG after 21 days. The blood level of FSH, testosterone and androstenedione increased significantly (P < 0.05) although the levels of LH, PRL, P4 and E2 did not change (P > 0.05) after 42 days. The level of PRL and testosterone significantly (P < 0.05) increased and E2 significantly decreased after 21 days of apricot seeds consumption. The study suggests that daily consumption of apricot seeds may affect plasma lipid and endocrine profile in women of reproductive age.

Accumulation of Selected Metal Elements in Fruiting Bodies of Oyster Mushroom.

The species Pleurotus ostreatus is a commercially, gastronomically, and biotechnologically important fungus. Its strain variability has been little researched. The study provides an evaluation of 59 oyster mushroom production strains in terms of the ability to accumulate selected metals in the cap and stipe. The fruiting bodies were grown under identical model conditions on straw substrate. Metal concentrations (ET-AAS) in dry fruiting bodies ranged in values 1.7-22.4 mg kg-1 for Al, 2.6-9.7 mg kg-1 Ba, 199-4560 mg kg-1 Ca, 1.7-12.0 mg kg-1 Cu, 12-120 mg kg-1 Fe, 16,000-49,500 mg kg-1 K, 876-2400 mg kg-1 Mg, 0.39-11.0 mg kg-1 Mn, 46-920 mg kg-1 Na and 11-920 mg kg-1 for Zn. More Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Zn accumulated in the cap, while in the stipe Ba was amassed. No significant difference was found between Al, Ca and Na between the accumulation in the cap and the stipe. Furthermore, the dependence of metal uptake from the substrate depending on the fortification of the substrate was confirmed. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) synergistic relationships were shown in pairs Al and Ba, Al and Fe, Ba and Na, Ba and Ca, Ca and Na, Cu and Fe, Fe and Mn, Fe and Zn, K and Mg, K and Mn, K and Zn, Mg and Mn, Mg and Na, Mg and Zn and Mn and Zn in the substrate without the addition of sodium selenate to the substrate. Altered relationships were observed after the application of sodium selenate to the substrate, synergism of Se and Ni, Se and Co and Se and Hg, Cu and Mn, Cu and Fe, Zn and Co, Zn and Ni, Zn and Hg, Mn and Fe, Mn and Cr, Co and Ni, Co and Hg, Ni and Hg, Pb and Cd. The findings of the study may help in the selection of production strains with hypercumulative properties for a particular metal and subsequent use in the addition of fortified fruiting bodies (e.g., with Zn). Based on the study the strains less sensitive to the accumulation of hazardous metals is possible to select for large-scale production, which is important from the perspective of food safety.

The effects of 12-week progressive strength training on strength, functional capacity, metabolic biomarkers, and serum hormone concentrations in healthy older women: morning versus evening training.

Previous findings suggest that performing strength training (ST) in the evening may provide greater benefit for young individuals. However, this may not be optimal for the older population. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 12-week ST program performed in the morning vs. evening on strength, functional capacity, metabolic biomarker and basal hormone concentrations in older women. Thirty-one healthy older women (66 ± 4 years, 162 ± 4 cm, 75 ± 13 kg) completed the study. Participants trained in the morning (M) (07:30, n = 10), in the evening (E) (18:00, n = 10), or acted as a non-training control group (C) (n = 11). Both intervention groups performed whole-body strength training with 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with 2-3 minutes rest between sets. All groups were measured before and after the 12-week period with; dynamic leg press and seated-row 6-repetition maximum (6-RM) and functional capacity tests (30-second chair stands and arm curl test, Timed Up and Go), as well as whole-body skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (kg) and fat mass (FM-kg, FM%) assessed by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Basal blood samples (in the intervention groups only) taken before and after the intervention assessed low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), blood glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations and total antioxidant status (TAS) after a 12 h fast. Hormone analysis included prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P) estradiol (ESTR), testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). While C showed no changes in any variable, both M and E significantly improved leg press (+ 46 ± 22% and + 21 ± 12%, respectively; p < 0.001) and seated-row (+ 48 ± 21% and + 42 ± 18%, respectively; p < 0.001) 6-RM, as well as all functional capacity outcomes (p < 0.01) due to training. M were the only group to increase muscle mass (+ 3 ± 2%, p < 0.01). Both M and E group significantly (p < 0.05) decreased GLU (-4 ± 6% and -8 ± 10%, respectively), whereas significantly greater decrease was observed in the E compared to the M group (p < 0.05). Only E group significantly decreased TG (-17 ± 25%, p < 0.01), whereas M group increased (+ 15%, p < 0.01). The difference in TG between the groups favored E compared to M group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that short-term "hypertrophic" ST alone mainly improves strength and functional capacity performance, but it influences metabolic and hormonal profile of healthy older women to a lesser extent. In this group of previously untrained older women, time-of-day did not have a major effect on outcome variables, but some evidence suggests that training in the morning may be more beneficial for muscle hypertrophy (i.e. only M significantly increased muscle mass and had larger effect size (M: g = 2 vs. E: g = 0.5).

Influence of long-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

The present study was designed to reveal whether long-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds causes changes in lipid profile and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The study group consisted of 12 healthy adult volunteers (5 females and 7 males). The average age of women was 41.60 ± 11.28 years and the average age of men was 36.71 ± 13.70 years. Volunteers consumed 60 mg kg-1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds divided into 8-12 doses daily for 12 weeks. Volunteers were recruited from the general population of Slovak Republic. After 12 weeks, mean body weight of the participants increased from 77.34 to 78.22 kg (P > 0.05). The average total cholesterol levels decreased from 4.86 mmol L-1 at the beginning of the study to 4.44 mmol L-1 at the end of the study (P < 0.05). We did not observe any significant increase in high-density cholesterol (from 1.55 to 1.60 mmol L-1). The average low-density cholesterol levels decreased from 2.93 mmol L-1 at the beginning of the study to 2.31 mmol L-1 at the end of the study (P < 0.001). Concentration of triglycerides increased significantly over the 12-week intervention period from 0.84 to 1.17 mmol L-1. After the intervention, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level decreased from 1.92 to 1.23 mg L-1, but results were non-significant (P > 0.05). Creatine kinase serum levels increased from 2.31 to 2.77 mg L-1 (P > 0.05) over the 12-week intervention period. The results suggest that regular intake of bitter apricot seeds may be considered potentially useful for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Intake of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease by inducing favorable changes in lipoprotein profiles.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death, and lifestyle modification, including dietary changes, is recommended to improve this condition. In this study, regular consumption of bilberries was hypothesized to have beneficial effects on CVD risk reduction, by changes in human health indicators such as decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The research involved women (n=25) and men (n=11) who consumed 150 g of frozen stored bilberries 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, liver enzymes, creatinine, albumin, magnesium, and antiradical activity were measured. Except for the body mass index of women (P=.019), no significant changes were found for anthropometric indicators. The consumption of bilberries led to a decrease in the following parameters: total cholesterol (P=.017), LDL-C (P=.0347), TG (P=.001), glucose (P=.005), albumin (P=.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (P=.046), and a positive increase in HDL-C (P=.044). In men, additionally, favorable changes were observed in total cholesterol (P=.004), glucose (P=.015), albumin (P=.028), aspartate aminotransferase (P=.012), γ-glutamyltransferase (P=.013), and HDL-C (P=.009; in this group, LDL-C increased [P=.007]). Changes in other parameters were not significant, for both women and men. Thus, the regular intake of bilberries can be important to reduce CVDs risk, by decreasing LDL-C/TG and increasing HDL-C.

Analysis of visceral fat in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a major public health problem, which leads to the formation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is one of the main causes of avoidable death and disability worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was analysis and comparison of the visceral fat in the body of the three groups of subjects (non-smokers, smokers and COPD patients) by Tanita Viscan 140. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The control group was composed of: (1) non-smokers (n=30), consisted of 13 males (43.4%) and 17 women (56.6%) - the average age was 52 ± 6.51 years and (2) smokers (n=30), consisted of 12 men (40%) and 18 women (60%) - the average age 46.53 ± 9.22 years. Study group consisted of patients with COPD (n=60), which consisted of 48 men (80%) and 12 women (20%). Mean age was 69.25 ± 9.90 years. The measurement of visceral fat by Tanita Viscan device 140, which uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure fat in the abdomen of the patient in the supine position. RESULTS: High levels of visceral fat (women from 36.9% to 52.3% and more, men from 27.1% to 40.3% or more) were observed in 19 patients (3 women and 16 men), with 19 smokers (10 women and 9 men) and non-smokers in 22 subjects (10 women and 12 men). The average value of waist circumference measured with a Tanita Viscan 140 was in the group of patients 96.38 ± 12.27 cm, in the group of smokers 95.23 ± 10.12 cm and in group of non-smokers 96.86 ± 10.88 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our work are of great importance for the health assessment not only among patients with COPD but also in the group of smokers. Therefore it would be appropriate to remind the general public, eg. by campaign for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its serious complications and reduce the life quality of these patients and thus help protect human health and in particular young people from the harmful effects of tobacco products.

Production of γ-aminobutyric acid by microorganisms from different food sources.

BACKGROUND: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a potentially bioactive component of foods and pharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was screen lactic acid bacteria belonging to the Czech Collection of Microorganisms, and microorganisms (yeast and bacteria) from 10 different food sources for GABA production by fermentation in broth or plant and animal products. RESULTS: Under an aerobic atmosphere, very low selectivity of GABA production (from 0.8% to 1.3%) was obtained using yeast and filamentous fungi, while higher selectivity (from 6.5% to 21.0%) was obtained with bacteria. The use of anaerobic conditions, combined with the addition of coenzyme (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) and salts (CaCl2 , NaCl), led to the detection of a low concentration of GABA precursor. Simultaneously, using an optimal temperature of 33 °C, a pH of 6.5 and bacteria from banana (Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae families), surprisingly, a high selectivity of GABA was obtained. A positive impact of fenugreek sprouts on the proteolytic process and GABA production from plant material as a source of GABA precursor was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Lactic acid bacteria for the production of new plant and animal GABA-rich products from different natural sources containing GABA precursor can be used.

Effect of a polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor on the quality of grape and red wine.

BACKGROUND: The quality of berries and red wines is influenced by the cultivar. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a polyamine biosynthesis (PA) inhibitor on some red grapevine cultivars with a genetically lower quality of grapes and wines. O-Phosphoethanolamine was used as a PA inhibitor because of its positive effect on the quality of some small berries. RESULTS: The PA inhibitor at a foliar dose treatment of 7.0 g ha(-1) significantly increased the peroxidation inhibition of berries (1.16- to 1.56-fold), the color density (from 1.66% to 69.14%) and the sensory quality of the wines with a lower genetically programmed color quality (André, Saint Laurent and Zweigeltrebe), but not the higher-quality Alibernet variety. The PA inhibitor predominantly decreased the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents (from 37.0% to 27.5%), and it significantly decreased the contents of free polyamines in all varieties-very dramatically in Saint Laurent grapes (17.16- to 1.58-fold). CONCLUSIONS: Foliar treatment of red grapevine varieties of a low quality, using O-phosphoethanolamine, can help produce higher-quality wines.

Regulation of the phenolic profile of berries can increase their antioxidant activity.

The changes of the antioxidant activities (AOA), antiradical activities (ARA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and total contents of phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxybenzoic acids, and hydroxycinnamic acids in black currant and black chokeberry, after treatment with ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, a polyamine inhibitor (O-phosphoethanolamine, KF), and a phenol biosynthesis stimulator (carboxymethyl chitin glucan, CCHG), were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Gallic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, and selected flavonol contents was analyzed by RP-HPLC. Both regulators increased the AOA measured as inhibition of peroxidation (IP) in black chokeberry, 1.71-fold after treatment with KF(1) and 1.74-fold after treatment with CCHG. In black currant IP was elevated after CCHG application only in lower dose (CCHG(1) 63.36% vs control 53.23%). In black chokeberry the total phenolics content was elevated 1.49-fold after KF(1) application and 1.31-fold after CCHG(2) application. The regulators had the lower effect on the phenolic accumulation in black currant. There was a strong relationship between the total phenolics in the both crops and anthocyanins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and hydroxycinnamic acids contents, respectively. Both regulators significantly changed the ratio of conjugated (rutin) to free (quercetin) flavonol mainly in black chokeberry. The antioxidant activities compared using LDL in vitro oxidation assay were increased more expressively after treatment with KF(2) in both crops.

Antioxidant capacity changes and phenolic profile of Echinacea purpurea, nettle (Urtica dioica L.), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) after application of polyamine and phenolic biosynthesis regulators.

The changes of the antioxidant (AOA) and antiradical activities (ARA) and the total contents of phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxybenzoic acid in roots and different aerial sections of Echinacea purpurea, nettle, and dandelion, after treatment with ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, a polyamine inhibitor (O-phosphoethanolamine, KF), and a phenol biosynthesis stimulator (carboxymethyl chitin glucan, CCHG) were analyzed spectrophotometrically; hydroxycinnamic acids content was analyzed by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Both regulators increased the AOA measured as inhibition of peroxidation (IP) in all herb sections, with the exception of Echinacea stems after treatment with KF. In root tissues IP was dramatically elevated mainly after CCHG application: 8.5-fold in Echinacea, 4.14-fold in nettle, and 2.08-fold in dandelion. ARA decrease of Echinacea leaves treated with regulators was in direct relation only with cichoric acid and caftaric acid contents. Both regulators uphold the formation of cinnamic acid conjugates, the most expressive being that of cichoric acid after treatment with CCHG in Echinacea roots from 2.71 to 20.92 mg g(-1). There was a strong relationship between increase of the total phenolics in all sections of Echinacea, as well as in the studied sections of dandelion, and the anthocyanin content.