Rosa rugosa Low Caloric Fiber Protein Preparations Rich in Antioxidant Flavanols and Ellagitannins.

Defatted seed residues after the extraction of rose oil have their potential not fully described in the existing literature. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize the components important for the human body that are found in Rosa rugosa defatted seeds, including dietary fibers, proteins, selected minerals, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Rosa rugosa seeds defatted with CO2 in supercritical conditions are a rich source of dietary fibers (approx. 65%) and proteins (15%); their macronutrients include the following: Ca (175.9), Mg (83.9), K (199.2) and Na (3.5 mg/100 g). They also contain polyphenols, including flavanols (0.9%) and total ellagic acid (0.5%), and they exhibit antioxidant activity (143.8 µM TAEC/g). Tellimagrandin I and II and rugosin A were found in the extracts, and ellagitannins with a yet-indeterminate structure were also present. The seeds also contained ellagitannin derivatives-galloyl-HHDP-glucose and bis-HHDP-glucose-at the same time, and they are characterized by a low-fat content-0.4%. The energy value of defatted rose seeds is about half the energy value of popular seeds used in the food industry. The findings of the present study suggest that defatted rosehip seeds, the by-product of rosehip processing, could be an important source of bioactive components like dietary fibers, flavanols, ellagitannins and mineral compounds. Therefore, defatted rose seeds are very promising and require further research, because they can potentially be used as a natural source of chemopreventive agents.

Tourism management in national parks: Sumava and Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest) in the Czech-German borderland.

Along the Czech-German border there are four national parks, two Czech and two German, arranged in cross-border 'pairs'. This article focuses on the southern 'pair' formed by the parks of Sumava and Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest). The aim is to evaluate and compare tourism organization in their areas, taking into account selected aspects of management: the network of hiking trails with its related infrastructure, transport accessibility, a typology of tourist centers, as well as directions and destinations of tourist movements. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the availability of geographical space for tourists is much greater in the German than in the Czech national park, and the tourism infrastructure is clearly more extensive there, including the network of tourist trails. This is mainly due to the longer and fairly uninterrupted development of tourism in this area. Sumava National Park can be identified as a model in terms of how to adjust the directions of tourist movements and the layout of the tourist trail network to the needs of natural environment. On the basis of observations in both national parks, it is possible to indicate various solutions that, after appropriate adaptation, may bring benefits to other protected areas.

Strawberry phenolic extracts effectively mitigated metabolic disturbances associated with high-fat ingestion in rats depending on the ellagitannin polymerization degree.

In the present experiment it was hypothesised that dietary strawberry ellagitannin-rich extracts would mitigate negative consequences associated with consumption. Therefore, two extracts rich in dimeric (D-ET) or monomeric (M-ET) ellagitannins (ETs) were added to a standard or high-fat diet fed to rats for four weeks. The D-ET-rich extract contained 82.3% polyphenols, and the M-ET/D-ET ratio was 40 : 60, while the M-ET-rich extract contained 88.0% and 96 : 4, respectively. The experimental feeding with high-fat diets containing extracts resulted in beneficial mitigating effects in the lipid profile, redox status of the rat's liver and blood plasma. According to the accepted hypothesis, the obtained results pointed at increased desired hepatic and plasma modifications when the extract was rich in M-ET, as indicated by favourable changes in the hepatic fat content, GSH and GSSG concentrations and GSH/GSSG ratio as well as blood plasma FRAP, ACL, HDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic coefficient values. These changes were partly connected to the fact that M-ET was more prone vs. D-ET to intestinal microbial conversion into respective metabolites. The urinary daily excretion of ET metabolites and their blood plasma concentrations were higher in rats fed with M-ET vs. D-ET-rich diets. To conclude, the metabolic action of the M-ET-rich extract in the normalization of high-fat-induced disturbances was more pronounced.

Protective Effects of a Strawberry Ellagitannin-Rich Extract against Pro-Oxidative and Pro-Inflammatory Dysfunctions Induced by a High-Fat Diet in a Rat Model.

Due to the demonstrated intestinal microbial transformation of strawberry ellagitannins (ET) into bioactive metabolites, in the current study on rats, we hypothesised that the dietary addition of a strawberry ET-rich extract (S-ET) to a high-fat diet (HFD) would attenuate disturbances in the redox and lipid status as well as in the inflammatory response. We randomly distributed 48 Wistar rats into six groups and used two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effects of two main factors-diet type (standard and high-fat) and ET dosage (without, low, and 3× higher)-applied to rats for 4 weeks. In relation to the hypothesis, irrespective of the dosage, the dietary application of ET resulted in the desired attenuating effects in rats fed a HFD as manifested by decreased body weight gain, relative mass of the epididymal pad, hepatic fat, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations as well as desired modifications in the blood plasma parameters. These beneficial changes were enhanced by the high dietary addition of ET, which was associated with considerably higher concentrations of ET metabolites in the urine and plasma of rats. The results indicated that S-ET could be effectively used for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, dyslipidaemia, redox status imbalance, and inflammation.

Protocatechuic acid and quercetin glucosides in onions attenuate changes induced by high fat diet in rats.

Yellow onion waste from industrial peeling was used to obtain three pure preparations: protocatechuic acid (PA), quercetin diglycosides (QD) and quercetin monoglycosides (QM). PA contained 61% protocatechuic acid, QD contained 35% quercetin diglucosides, mainly quercetin-3,4'-diglucoside, and QM contained 41% monoglucosides, mainly quercetin-4'-glucoside. The highest antioxidant activity was shown by PA. The effects of preparations on the digestive functions of the gastrointestinal tract of rats as well as the biochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity of the blood in model research on Wistar rats sustained by a high-fat diet were assessed (5 groups per 8 animals). The results of the present experiment showed that different onion phenolic preparations differently modulated the enzymatic activity of faecal (P < 0.001) and caecal (P < 0.001) microbiota. For instance, the QD preparation but not QM efficiently reduced the faecal and caecal bacterial ß-glucuronidase activity. Both protocatechuic acid and quercetin monoglycosides showed a beneficial effect by regulating blood lipids (reduction of TC (P < 0.001) and TG (P < 0.001), non-HDL increase in HDL (P < 0.001)), thereby lowering the risk factors for atherosclerotic lesions AI (P = 0.038) and AII (P = 0.013). In addition, onion phenols showed a strong antioxidant effect, however, with a different mechanism: protocatechuic acid via serum ACL (P = 0.033) increase and hepatic GSSG (P = 0.070) decrease, QM via ACW (P < 0.001) increase and hepatic TBARS (P = 0.002) decrease, and QD via serum ACW increase and hepatic GSSG decrease. It can be concluded that onion polyphenols with a lower molar weight, i.e. QM more preferably affect the blood lipid profile than QD. However QD more efficiently reduced the faecal and caecal bacterial ß-glucuronidase activity.

Apple pomace improves gut health in Fisher rats independent of seed content.

The mechanism behind the cholesterol lowering effects of apple pomace, a polyphenol- and fibre rich by-product in apple juice production, was investigated. Groups of male F344 rats were fed a control feed or the same feed with 2.1% or 6.5% dry apple pomace with or without seeds for 4 weeks. Effects on plasma cholesterol concentrations, excretion of bile acids, expression of genes involved in cholesterol- and bile acid synthesis, and other markers related to gut health were investigated. We found that pomace feeding decreased total-, LDL- and IDL-cholesterol concentrations compared to control. Higher production of SCFA, indicating elevated caecal fermentation, and increased excretion of total- and primary bile acids could explain the observed hypocholesterolemic effects of apple pomace, however, expression of selected genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid biosynthesis (Hmgcr and Cyp7a1) were not affected. We found no hepatotoxic or other effects of apple seeds. Altogether, our results indicate that apple pomace has beneficial effects on gut health, and that the cholesterol-lowering effect is linked to increased production of SCFA and excretion of bile acids. These effects are most likely linked to the fibre and other fruit constituents present in the pomace. Presence of apple seeds seems to impart no toxicity even at 6.5% pomace in the feed and seeds also had no influence on the biological effect of the pomace. In the future, apple pomace could potentially be used as a bioactive and possibly health promoting food ingredient.

Protective Effects of Ellagitannin-Rich Strawberry Extracts on Biochemical and Metabolic Disturbances in Rats Fed a Diet High in Fructose.

The present study compares the effects of two dietary strawberry extracts rich in monomeric (ME) or dimeric (DE) ellagitannins (ETs) on gastrointestinal, blood and tissue biomarkers in Wistar rats fed high-fructose diets. Both strawberry extracts beneficially affect the antioxidant status and lipid profile of the liver and serum. The ME extract shows a greater ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in kidneys, more effectively decreases serum and liver triglycerides, and exerts greater anti-inflammatory effects in blood serum than the DE extract. The DE extract significantly reduces the activity of microbial enzymes in the cecum. These effects might be associated with higher cecum and urine levels of ET metabolites in rats fed with ME than in rats fed with DE. In conclusion, the diet-induced fructose-related disturbances observed in biochemical parameters are regulated by both extracts; nevertheless, the beneficial effects of the ME extract are mostly associated with systemic parameters, while those of the DE extracts are associated with local microbial activity.

Onion quercetin monoglycosides alter microbial activity and increase antioxidant capacity.

The effects on fermentation processes in the digestive tract, the biochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity of blood in rats fed high-fat diets with quercetin (Q) and quercetin with quercetin monoglycosides (Q+MQ) preparations obtained from onion waste were evaluated. Four groups of eight animals were fed for 4 weeks with a control diet (C), a high-fat diet (HF) and high-fat diets with 0.15% addition of Q and Q+MQ preparations. HF caused an increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) and the atherogenic index AII vs. C and a decrease in the proportion of HDL in total cholesterol (TC). Q and Q+MQ showed a tendency to moderate the values aspartate transaminase (P=.087), ALT (P<.05), TC (P=.068), non-HDL cholesterol (P<.05), triglycerides (P=.064) and the atherogenic index AII (P<.05). Q+MQ significantly increased the activity of α-glucosidase (P<.05 vs. HF), ß-glucosidase (P<.05) and ß-galactosidase (P<.05 vs. C and Q). Q increased activity of ß-glucosidase (P<.001 vs. C and HF). Both increased the activity of ß-glucuronidase (P<.05 vs. C and HF). Both increased the antioxidant capacity of the hydrophilic fraction in serum (P<.05 vs. C and HF), and Q enhanced that of the lipid fraction (P<.001). Q preparation contained 70% quercetin, and Q+MQ preparation contained 29% quercetin and 13% quercetin monoglycosides, mainly quercetin-4'-glucoside. Both exhibited high antioxidant capacity. Supplementation with Q and Q+MQ increased the enzymatic activity of the intestinal microbiota and the antioxidant capacity of blood and revealed a tendency to improve the blood lipid profile. MQ were particularly effective in stimulating the bacterial enzymatic activity.

Efficacy and safety of birch pollen immunotherapy for local allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a relatively new disease. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy in LAR. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of birch subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for LAR was performed in 28 patients. The therapy was performed for 24 months in 15 patients with AIT and 13 patients given placebo. The primary end point was decrease in symptom medication score (SMS). In addition, we monitored serum-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum-specific immunoglobulin G4, nasal-specific IgE to Bet v 1, and safety and quality-of-life parameters. RESULTS: After 24 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the median area under the curve for SMS of the active group vs the placebo group: 2.14 (range, 1.22-4.51) vs 6.21 (range, 5.12-7.89), at the P < .05 level. During AIT, the active group showed a significant decrease in SMS of up to 65% vs baseline. A significant increase in immunoglobulin G4 and decrease in nasal-specific IgE were observed in the active group during AIT compared with the placebo group. AIT was well-tolerated and without systemic reactions. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that AIT for birch pollen in patients with LAR was clinically effective and exhibited good tolerance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03157505.

Antifungal Activity of Lactobacillus pentosus LOCK 0979 in the Presence of Polyols and Galactosyl-Polyols.

The antifungal activity of Lactobacillus pentosus LOCK 0979 depends both on the culture medium and on the fungal species. In the control medium, the strain exhibited limited antagonistic activity against indicator food-borne molds and yeasts. However, the supplementation of the bacterial culture medium with polyols (erythritol, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol) or their galactosyl derivatives (gal-erythritol, gal-sorbitol, gal-xylitol) enhanced the antifungal properties of Lactobacillus pentosus LOCK 0979. Its metabolites were identified and quantified by enzymatic methods, HPLC, UHPLC-MS coupled with QuEChERS, and GC-MS. The presence of polyols and gal-polyols significantly affected the acid metabolite profile of the bacterial culture supernatant. In addition, lactitol and mannitol were used by bacteria as alternative carbon sources. A number of compounds with potential antifungal properties were identified, such as phenyllactic acid, hydroxyphenyllactic acid, and benzoic acid. Lactobacillus bacteria cultivated with mannitol synthesized hydroxy-fatty acids, including 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, a well-described antifungal agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy confirmed a strong antifungal effect of L. pentosus LOCK 0979.

Safety of specific immunotherapy using an ultra-rush induction regimen in bee and wasp allergy.

BACKGROUND: Specific allergen immunotherapy to Hymenoptera venom (VIT) is a basic treatment for patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of an ultra-rush regimen compared with the rush and conventional protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 31 patients with an allergy to bee venom and 82 with an allergy to wasp venom, the allergic adverse reactions during VIT were monitored. Patients were selected based on the criteria established by EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) recommendations. Adverse reactions during the ultra-rush immunotherapy were measured, documented and classified according to the criteria of Mueller. Ultra-rush, rush or conventional protocols of the initial phase VIT using the Venomenhal vaccine (Hal Allergy, Leiden, Netherlands) were conducted. RESULTS: Six (13.7%) patients on the ultra-rush regimen, 5 (14.3%) patients on the rush regimen and 9 (26.5%) on conventional VIT experienced an allergic reaction. There were no associations between the adverse allergic reactions and the following factors: gender, total IgE and allergen-specific IgE to wasp or bee venom before the VIT and cardiological drugs that were used. CONCLUSION: We found that the ultra-rush protocol (similar to the rush protocol) using the Venomenhal vaccine is safer than the conventional protocol.

Evidence of the efficacy and safety of house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy in elderly allergic rhinitis patients: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) in elderly patients is controversial, and there is still little evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of this treatment in this population. The study objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AIT for house dust mite allergens in patients over 65 years of age with allergic rhinitis (AR) and a documented allergy to house dust mites. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the mean average adjusted symptom score (AAdSS) and the total combined rhinitis score (TCRS) difference in the least square means for the label compared to placebo. METHODS: Fifty-eight AR elderly patients who were monosensitized to house dust mites were individually randomized in comparable numbers to one of two parallel groups with the following interventions: 2 years of perennial AIT using PURETHAL Mites or placebo. The symptoms and medication scores were presented as the AAdSS and TCRS. Quality of life, based on the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), nasal allergen provocation responsiveness, serum allergen-specific IgG4 to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae and Der p1 and Der p2 were monitored. The intent-to-treat population was analysed. RESULTS: After 24 months of AIT, AAdSS significantly decreased from 4.27 ± 1.58 to 1.82 ± 0.71 (p < 0.05). The TCRS was significantly decreased after 2 years of AIT. Serum-specific IgG4 against D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Der p1, and Der p2 increased during the AIT trial in the study group. The RQLQ score was significantly improved in patients who received AIT, from 1.86 (95% CI 1.51-1.78) to 1.26 (95% CI 1.09-1.55). Two mild systemic anaphylactic reactions (degree I) were reported after injections in the active group during the AIT therapy. CONCLUSION: The DBPC trial showed AIT for house dust mite allergens was effective and safe in elderly patients with allergic rhinitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled (DBPC) trial was conducted at one centre (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT03209245).

Bronchial hyperreactivity in perimenstrual asthma is associated with increased Th-2 response in lower airways.

BACKGROUND: Perimenstrual asthma (PMA) is a commonly observed, usually difficult-to-treat asthma phenotype. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unexplained. The aim of the study was to assess the degree of airway hyperresponsiveness and its relationship to proinflammatory cytokines concentration in lower airways of PMA compared to non-PMA patients. METHODS: Premenopausal women with regular menstrual cycles diagnosed as: PMA (n=12), non-PMA asthmatics (n=9), and healthy controls (n=10) were prospectively followed for 10 weeks over two consecutive menstrual cycles. The bronchial responsiveness (BR) test to methacholine was performed in each subject prior to the study. The serum for total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations was taken and sputum was induced in the 26th day of each of the two cycles. Sputum concentration of eotaxin, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Levels of BR to metacholine as well, as total blood IgE concentrations in PMA subjects were significantly higher than in non-PMA asthmatics and healthy controls (P=0.001, P=0.022 respectively) and correlated with each other (P=0.030; r =-0.65). Sputum eotaxin and IL-4 concentrations in luteal phase were increased in PMA patients when compared with non-PMA asthmatics (P=0.016; P=0.041, respectively) and healthy subjects (P<0.001 both cytokines). No differences for the sputum levels of IL-10 among studied groups were seen. CONCLUSIONS: BR level in perimenstrual asthma is higher than in non-PMA asthmatics and correlates with increased total IgE serum concentration. The increased level of BR in PMA patients is associated with a shift in the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance toward a type-2 response.

Raspberry pomace alters cecal microbial activity and reduces secondary bile acids in rats fed a high-fat diet.

The profile of bile acids (BA) largely depends on the enzymatic activity of the microbiota, but this can be modulated by the dietary addition of biologically active compounds, e.g., polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dietary raspberry pomace as a rich source of biologically active compounds on microbial activity and the BA profile in the caecum of rats fed a high-fat diet. Wistar rats were fed the standard diet AIN-93, a high-fat diet or a modified high-fat diet enriched with 7% different types of processed raspberry pomaces produced by standard grinding and fine grinding, with or without seeds. Rats fed the high-fat diet for 8 weeks showed some disorders in liver function and cecal BA, as manifested by an increased concentration of cholesterol, total BA in the liver and cholic, deoxycholic, and ß-muricholic acids in the cecal digesta. In general, irrespective of the type of raspberry pomace, these dietary preparations decreased liver cholesterol, hepatic fibroblast growth factor receptor 4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, cecal ammonia and favorable changed BA profile in the cecum. However, among all dietary pomaces, the finely ground preparation containing seeds had the greatest beneficial effect on the caecum by modulating bacterial activity and reducing the levels of secondary BA.

Ellagitannins from Rubus idaeus L. Exert Geno- and Cytotoxic Effects against Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2.

Ellagitannins possess several biological activities, including anticancer properties. The goal of the present study was to investigate the cyto- and genotoxic activities of a red raspberry ellagitannin preparation (REP) in the concentration range of 2.5-160 µg/mL, as well as that of the main individual raspberry ellagitannins, sanguiin H-6 (SH-6, 12.8-256 µM) and lambertianin C (LC, 9.3-378 µM), against human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. The ellagitannin concentrations used in the study correspond to those found in foodstuffs containing raspberry fruit. REP, SH-6, and LC exhibited strong concentration-dependent genotoxic properties, inducing DNA damage ranging from 7.3 ± 1.3 to 56.8 ± 4.3%, causing double-strand breaks and oxidation of DNA bases. At IC50 (124 µg/mL) the REP affected the nuclear morphology and induced the apoptosis of Caco-2 cells. Because the REP has been found to possess chemopreventive activity, it can be used as a natural food additive to enhance the health benefits of foodstuffs.

Metabolism of strawberry mono- and dimeric ellagitannins in rats fed a diet containing fructo-oligosaccharides.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with strawberry extracts rich in ETs and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on the intestinal microbiota and the formation of bacterial metabolites in the distal intestine, as well as the absorption of ET metabolites and antioxidant status in rats. METHODS: Rats were allocated into six groups of eight animals each and fed for 4 weeks with a control diet (group C), a control diet supplemented with FOS (group C + FOS) or modifications of these diets, in which a monomeric or dimeric ET-rich extract was added (groups ME and ME + FOS or DE and DE + FOS, respectively). RESULTS: The extract addition, the FOS addition and their interaction significantly affected the total and selected bacterial counts in the caecal digesta (all P < 0.005). The total bacterial count was the highest in group C + FOS, lower in group DE and the lowest in group ME + FOS (10.6, 10.3 and 8.52 log cells/g, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). The total caecal content of ET metabolites was higher in the ME and ME + FOS group than in the DE and DE + FOS group, respectively (67.8 and 89.5 vs. 13.0 and 18.0 µg/g, respectively; P < 0.001). The total plasma concentration of ET metabolites was higher in the ME + FOS and DE + FOS group than in the ME group (248 and 281 vs. 8.13 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ETs of the monomeric ET-rich extract are more prone to intestinal breakdown than those of the dimeric ET-rich extract, and absorption of their metabolites can be increased by dietary FOS; however, together, they evoke strong antibacterial activity.

Ellagitannins from Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Fruit as Natural Inhibitors of Geotrichum candidum.

The paper presents the chemical characteristics of ellagitannins isolated from raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruit and their in vitro and in situ antifungal activity against Geotrichum candidum LOCK 0511. The study investigated a complex preparation containing various raspberry ellagitannins at a concentration of 86% w/w, as well as pure lambertianin C and sanguiin H-6. The ellagitannin preparation was obtained by extracting raspberry press cake and purifying the extract using Amberlite XAD resin, while individual compounds were isolated by means of preparative HPLC. The complex preparation was analyzed for the content of ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and flavan-3-ols using HPLC and LC-MS. The antifungal activity of the complex ellagitannin preparation and the isolated ellagitannins was determined for the strain Geotrichum candidum. The MIC and MFC values (10.0 mg/mL and 30.0 mg/mL, respectively) were found to be the same for lambertianin C, sanguiin H-6, and the complex ellagitannin preparation. The fungistatic activity of the studied ellagitannin preparation at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, as determined by the poisoned medium method, was 65.2% following 6 day incubation of Geotrichum candidum, with the linear growth rate of only 16.2 mm/day. The corresponding parameters for the control sample were 0% and 56 mm/day, respectively. The study demonstrated both in vitro and in situ antifungal activity of raspberry ellagitannins against Geotrichum candidum.

[Exacerbations in perimenstrual asthma. Clinical significance of peripheral blood eosinophilia and BMI]. / Zaostrzenia w astmie okolomiesiaczkowej. Znaczenie kliniczne eozynofilii w krwi obwodowej i BMI.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by lower airways' obstruction, caused by various factors. There are many asthma phenotypes. Lately, perimenstrual asthma (PMA) with a pattern of exacerbations before and during menstruation as well as obesity associated asthma have been a subject of particular scientific and clinical interest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 women were qualified for this three-arm case-control study(women with a pattern of asthma exacerbations in the perimenstrual period, women with asthma but no perimenstrual exacerbations, healthy control group). All patients performed spirometry and assessed disease control using specific questionnaires. Peripheral blood counts with smear were also performed. RESULTS: PMA patients differ in a statistically significant way in respect of anthropometric measurements such as BMI: in PMA group 25.8±1.8; in non-PMA asthmatics 23.9 ±2.2; healthy control 23.1±1.5; p=0.018) and spirometry results (FEV1 [%]: 85.1 (36.3-113.0); in PMA asthmatics, 93.1 (81,6-109,7), in nonPMA group, p<0.05; 105.4 (108,3-119,0) in healthy control and Tiffeneau index [%]: 70.1 (41.2-98.1); in PMA vs 83.5 (59.6-94.4); in non-PMA asthmatics 93.1(81,8-97,5) in healthy control p<0.05; ). PMA asthmatics also complain of poorer disease control than non-PMA asthmatics. There were no differences in peripheral blood eosinophilia or CRP between studied groups, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma exacerbations are not associated with the effect of peripheral blood eosinophilia. Women with greater BMI are more predisposed to perimenstrual asthma.

Clinical Distinctness of Allergic Rhinitis in Patients with Allergy to Molds.

Introduction. Molds are a very diverse group of allergens. Exposure and sensitization to fungal allergens can promote the development and worsening of allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective. The natural course of allergic rhinitis was compared between a group of patients with allergy to molds and patients with AR to other allergens as the control groups. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 229 patients, with a mean age of 27.4 ± 6.5 yrs. The study group was compared to groups of AR patients with allergy to house dust mites or pollens or with multivalent allergy. Allergic sensitization was assessed using the skin prick test (SPT) with a panel of 15 allergens to molds and other common inhalant allergens. Specific IgEs against all tested allergens were measured. Nasal fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level was assessed with a chemiluminescence analyzer (NIOX MINO) and compared between groups. Cluster analysis was performed for determine models of AR in whole population. Results. Patients with allergy to mold have had AR with a higher blockage of nose than in the patients with other allergies. Alternaria alternata (59% of examined), Cladosporium herbarum (40%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (36%) were the predominant allergens in the study group. Patients with allergy to mold were more often present in two clusters: there were patients with more frequent accompanying asthma and high level of FeNO. Conclusion. Patients with allergy to molds have a significantly greater predisposition for bronchial asthma and high concentration of FeNO.

Antifungal Activity of Lactobacillus sp. Bacteria in the Presence of Xylitol and Galactosyl-Xylitol.

Lactic acid fermentation is a natural method of antimicrobial food protection. Antagonistic activity of Lactobacillus sp. bacteria, taking part in this process, is directed mainly against the same or other microorganisms. In this work we determine the impact of the presence of xylitol and galactosyl-xylitol on the antagonistic activity of 60 Lactobacillus sp. strains against indicator molds (Alternaria alternata, Alternaria brassicicola, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium latenicum, Geotrichum candidum, and Mucor hiemalis) and yeasts (Candida vini). We used double-layer method to select antifungal strains of Lactobacillus bacteria and poisoned medium method to confirm their fungistatic properties. Additionally, we examined the inhibition of Alternaria brassicicola by Lactobacillus paracasei LOCK 0921 cultivated with xylitol or galactosyl-xylitol directly on wild cherries. The presence of xylitol and its galactosyl derivative led to increase of spectrum of antifungal activity in most of the studied plant-associated lactobacilli strains. However, no single strain exhibited activity against all the indicator microorganisms. The antifungal activity of Lactobacillus bacteria against molds varied considerably and depended on both the indicator strain and the composition of the medium. The presence of xylitol and galactosyl-xylitol in the growth medium is correlated with the antifungal activity of the studied Lactobacillus sp. bacteria against selected indicator molds.