Edible and medicinal mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus, Ustilago maydis, Ganoderma lucidum) reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of obese Wistar rats fed with a high fat plus saccharose diet.

Obesity is an increasing global public health problem. A strategy to treat obesity is the use of functional foods. Edible and medicinal mushrooms contain diverse bioactive compounds showing important antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties. We analysed the effects of adding (10%) of Pleurotus ostreatus (Po, basidiomata), Ganoderma lucidum (Gl, basidiomata), or Ustilago maydis (Um, galls), milled, to a high fat plus saccharose diet (HFD + S) for 6 months in a model of obesity with Wistar rats. We assessed weight gain, body composition, lipid parameters, endoplasmic reticulum stress (proteins and inflammatory markers: BiP, XBP-1, JNK, p-JNK, TNF-α), and adiponectin in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The consumption of edible and medicinal mushrooms decreased weight gain (-17.2-30.1%) and fat mass (-23.7-43.1%), maintained fat-free mass, reduced levels of serum biochemical parameters (TC: -40.1-44.1%, TG: -37.7-51.6%, LDL-C: -64.5-71.1%), and prevented adipocyte hypertrophy (-30.9-36.9%) and collagen deposition (-70.9-73.7%) in SAT. Compared with the HFD + S group, mushroom consumption by Wistar rats significantly reduced the expression of proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation (BiP: -72.2-88.2%; XBP-1: -71.5-81.8%; JNK: -71.2-90.0%; p-JNK: -37.3-81.0%; TNF-α: -80.7-91.5%), whereas significantly increased adiponectin protein expression (246.4-654.2%) in SAT. These effects outperformed those obtained through the commercial lipid-lowering drug atorvastatin, contributing synergistically to prevent further obesity-related dysfunctions, such as insulin resistance derived from inflammation and ER stress in adipose tissue. Bioactive compounds from edible, functional and medicinal mushrooms represent new emerging therapies for obesity treatments using natural products.

Effects of Mexican Ganoderma lucidum extracts on liver, kidney, and the gut microbiota of Wistar rats: A repeated dose oral toxicity study.

Well-characterized and standardized extracts of a Mexican genotype of Ganoderma lucidum (Gl), a medicinal mushroom, cultivated on oak sawdust (Gl-1) or oak sawdust plus acetylsalicylic acid (Gl-2, ASA), have been shown to exert antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and anticancer properties. However, toxicity analyses still need to be carried out. Different doses of these Gl-1 or Gl-2 extracts were administered to Wistar rats for 14 days in a repeated dose oral toxicity study. We assessed the external clinical signs, biochemical parameters, liver and kidney tissues, injury and inflammation biomarkers, gene expression, inflammatory responses, proinflammatory mediators, and gut microbiota. Gl extracts had no significant adverse, toxic or harmful effects on male and female rats compared to the control groups. No injury or dysfunction were recorded in the kidney or liver, as there were no significant abnormal variations in organ weight, tissue histopathology, serum biochemical parameters (C-reactive protein, creatinine, urea, glucose, ALT and AST transaminases, TC, LDL-c, TG, HDL-c), urinary parameters (creatinine, urea nitrogen, albumin, the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, glucose), injury and inflammatory biomarkers (KIM-1/TIM-1, TLR4, and NF-кB protein expression; IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 gene expression), or the expression of genes linked to cholesterol metabolism (HMG-CoA, Srebp2, Ldlr). Gl-1 and Gl-2 extracts showed prebiotic effects on the gut microbiota of male and female Wistar rats. Bacterial diversity and relative bacterial abundance (BRA) increased, positively modulating the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The ASA (10 mM) added to the substrate used for mushroom cultivation changed properties and effects of the Gl-2 extract on Wistar rats. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was 1000 mg/kg body weight/day of Gl-1 or Gl-2 extracts. Clinical trials are recommended for further exploring the potential therapeutic applications of studied extracts.

Dietary Supplementation with Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes), Reduces Visceral Fat and Hyperlipidemia in Inhabitants of a Rural Community in Mexico.

The abandonment of traditional foods in the Mexican diet is one of the causes for the increase in diseases associated with obesity. Edible mushrooms have been a part of the Mexican diet since pre-Hispanic times. There is clear evidence that Pleurotus ostreatus (Po) contains bioactive compounds that have beneficial health effects. In the present study, we carried out a 3-month nutritional intervention in which we randomized 30 participants into two groups: one that consumed a healthy diet with regional foods without the inclusion of edible mushrooms (HD, n = 15) and one that consumed a healthy diet with regional foods alongside 1 kg of P. ostreatus (four portions of 250 g) per week (HD+ P. ostreatus, n = 15). We evaluated anthropometric measurements, lipid parameters, glucose levels, and blood pressure in inhabitants of San Miguel Tianguistenco, Puebla, a rural area of Mexico. For the HD group, the triglyceride levels decreased in women and the glucose levels decreased in men, and in the HD+ P. ostreatus group, visceral fat, glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels decreased in women, and glucose and triglyceride levels decreased in men. Analysis of the intake of macro- and micronutrients in the community showed a high intake of energy, fat, and sugar, and a low intake of fiber, B complex vitamins, and minerals, indicators of an unbalanced diet. It is essential to create strategies that promote the inclusion of edible mushrooms as a part of a heathy diet in rural areas of Mexico to improve the actual health and nutrition of the residents.

Evaluación del estado nutricional y calidad de la dieta en dos comunidades rurales, Puebla, México / Evaluation of nutritional status and diet quality in two rural communities, Puebla, Mexico

Introducción: Actualmente, la población en México atraviesa por problemas de salud y nutrición a consecuencia de la transición en la alimentación. La Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT 2018) reportó una prevalencia de 75.2% combinada de sobrepeso y obesidad, así como altas prevalencias de enfermedades asociadas, sin embargo, no existen reportes de comunidades rurales específicas, así como de un análisis sobre la calidad de la dieta e ingesta demicro y macronutrimentos. Objetivos: Realizar un diagnóstico del estado de nutrición y calidad de la dieta en habitantes de las comunidades rurales Santiago Coltzingo y San Miguel Tianguistenco, Puebla, México. Métodos: Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, así como parámetros bioquímicos y presión arterial. Por medio dela historia clínico-nutriológica y recordatorio de 24 horas, se evaluó la ingesta energética de macronutrimentos y micronutrimentos. Resultados: Se evaluaron 72 personas con edad de46.58±14.73 años. En base al IMC, el 90.3% de los voluntarios presentaron sobrepeso y obesidad. En hombres y mujeres, la media de índice cintura-cadera (0.96, 0.92) y circunferencia cintura (99.3 cm, 97.8 cm) mostraron alto riesgo cardiovascular, respectivamente. La hipertrigliceridemia (72.2%)fue la más frecuente en ambos sexos, seguido de la hiper-glucemia (58.3%) y la hipercolesterolemia (38.9%). El 15.3%presentó hipertensión. Existe un exceso en el consumo de energía, grasas y colesterol, así como baja ingesta de fibra, vitaminas B6, B9, calcio, potasio, selenio y zinc. Hay un bajo consumo de alimentos recomendables y un alto consumo de alimentos no recomendables. (AU)

Introduction: At present, there are healthy and nutritional problems in the Mexican population, derived from a transition of food patterns. The National Survey on Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT 2018) reported 75.2% of obesity and overweight prevalence, as well as a high prevalence of associated diseases. However, there are no reports about the situation in specific rural communities, including studies on diet quality and the intake of micro and macronutrients. Objectives: To perform a diagnosis of the nutritional status and diet quality, in inhabitants of rural communities Santiago Coltzingo and San Miguel Tianguistenco, Puebla, Mexico. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were recorded, as well as biochemical parameters and blood pressure. Energy intake of macronutrients and micronutrients was assessed through the clinical-nutritional history and a 24-hour reminder. Results: We evaluated 72 participant adults, 46.58 ±14.73 years old. On the basis of the body mass index (BMI), 90.3% of volunteers were overweight and obese. The mean waist/hip index (WHI: 0.96, 0.92) and mean waist circumferences (99.3 cm, 97.8 cm) indicated a higher cardiovascular risk of males and females, respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia (72.2%) was the most frequent in men and women, followed by hyperglycemia (58.3%) and hypercholesterolemia (38.9%). A proportion of participants (15.3%) had hypertension. Excesses in the consumption of energy, fat and cholesterol were recorded, as well as a low intake of fiber, vitamins B6, B9, calcium, potassium, selenium, and zinc. There was alow consumption of recommended food and a high consumption of non-recommended food. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and cardiovascular risk in rural communities of Santiago Coltzingo and San Miguel Tianguistenco. Diet quality was not adequate, and the consumption of traditional foods has decreased. Public strategies are needed for improving nutrition in rural areas of Mexico. (AU)

Mexican Ganoderma Lucidum Extracts Decrease Lipogenesis Modulating Transcriptional Metabolic Networks and Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6 Mice Fed with a High-Cholesterol Diet.

Prevention of hyperlipidemia and associated diseases is a health priority. Natural products, such as the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Gl), have demonstrated hypocholesterolemic, prebiotic and antidiabetic properties. However, the underlying transcriptomic mechanisms by which Gl exerts bioactivities are not completely understood. We report a comprehensive hepatic and renal transcriptome profiling of C57BL/6 mice under the consumption of a high-cholesterol diet and two standardized Gl extracts obtained from basidiocarps cultivated on conventional substrate (Gl-1) or substrate containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; Gl-2). We showed that Gl extracts modulate relevant metabolic pathways involving the restriction of lipid biosynthesis and the enrichment of lipid degradation and secretion. The Gl-2 extract exerts a major modulation over gene expression programs showing the highest similarity with simvastatin druggable-target-genes and these are enriched more in processes related to human obesity alterations in the liver. We further show a subset of Gl-modulated genes correlated with Lactobacillus enrichment and the reduction of circulating cholesterol-derived fats. Moreover, Gl extracts induce a significant decrease of macrophage lipid storage, which occurs concomitantly with the down-modulation of Fasn and Elovl6. Collectively, this evidence suggests a new link between Gl hypocholesterolemic and prebiotic activity, revealing thereby that standardized Mexican Gl extracts are a novel transcriptome modulator to prevent metabolic disorders associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Traditional Mushroom Consumption Associated to Lower Levels of Triglycerides and Blood Pressure in an Indigenous Peasant Community from Oaxaca, Mexico.

Traditional consumption of edible mushrooms is supported by ethnomycological studies worldwide. However, the potential impact of mushroom consumption on the nutritional and health status of remote rural communities has not yet been studied. We carried out these initial standard studies in the indigenous peasant community of Benito Juarez, Oaxaca, Mexico. Participant adults (45) were grouped as follows: optimal body mass index (BMI: 17.8%), overweight (48.9%), obesity type I (24.5%), obesity type II (4.4%), and obesity type III (4.4%). A high proportion of women (90.3%) and men (64.3%) had a high risk of cardiovascular disease (WHI: waist/hip index). Most women (93.6%) and men (57.1%) showed abdominal obesity. In biochemical parameters, subjects had hypertriglyceridemia (75.6%), hypercholesterolemia (26.7%), hyperglycemia (53.3%), and hypertension (46.7%). There was an excessive intake in the diet of energy, proteins, carbohydrates, sugar, and lipids, as well as a deficiency in the consumption of several vitamins and minerals. A high frequency of mushroom consumption (> 3 times per week) was significantly correlated to lower energy, lipids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and sodium intake, as well as to higher intake of cobalamin and zinc. The levels of triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in adults consuming edible mushrooms every day. Total cholesterol also tended to be lower. These associations allow to promote healthier diets in remote indigenous communities by keeping or increasing the consumption of edible mushrooms, either wild or cultivated. Edible mushrooms can play a more important role in community nutrition and health, considering their unique functional and medicinal properties.

Productivity and flavor of diverse genotypes of Ustilago maydis "cuitlacoche" for human consumption.

Maize plants infected by Ustilago maydis develop galls known as "cuitlacoche", a food product appreciated in the Mexican gastronomy. The virulence of different U. maydis isolates was assessed, as well as the development of the infection on one commercial maize variety. Sporidia were isolated of wild galls collected in Mexico. Sexual compatibility patterns were determined using the Fuzz reaction, showing a 1:1:1:1 segregation of mating type specificities. Ten U. maydis compatible strains were selected on the basis of their virulence, namely: four wild-type compatible sporidia, one multi-teliosporic strain, two hybrids between wild-type and tester strains, and three tester strains. Maize plants of a commercial hybrid (Tornado XR™) were inoculated with these strains of U. maydis, using a randomized complete block experimental design. Phenological and phenotypic characteristics of plants, as well as production, quality and sensory attributes of the resulting galls, were evaluated. Greater yields of galls were recorded in tester strains (incidence >90 %, severity >80 %, productivity >12 t/ha), a hybrid strain (EM1-6 × FB1) [incidence 82.6 %, severity 51.8 %, productivity 5.6 t/ha] and a wild-type strain (EM4-10 × EM2-4) [incidence 68.2 %, severity 44.0 %, productivity 4.8 t/ha]. Wild-type strains showed better flavor, characterized by less bitterness and acidity, but prevailing sweet, umami and maize flavor.

Biomasa y carbono en Guadua angustifolia y Bambusa oldhamii en dos comunidades de la sierra Nororiental de Puebla, México / Biomass and carbon of Guadua angustifolia and Bambusa oldhamii in two communities of the Nororiental Sierra of Puebla, México

Resumen El incremento de CO2 en la atmósfera puede disminuir mediante su captura por plantas a través del proceso fotosintético, con especial énfasis en especies perennes de rápido crecimiento como los bambús. El objetivo fue evaluar cuantitativamente la biomasa aérea y estimar el contenido de carbono para las especies Guadua angustifolia y Bambusa oldhamii, en plantaciones comerciales establecidas en dos comunidades de la Sierra Nororiental de Puebla, México. La estimación de población y biomasa aérea para ambas especies se obtuvo mediante una selección del 10 % de plantas en una hectárea. Los muestreos se realizaron de junio 2016 a septiembre 2017. Para la plantación de B. oldhamii, el número de culmos por planta aumentó gradualmente hacia las generaciones más recientes, de 3.6 tallos en la cohorte más adulta a 4.5 en la más joven. El diámetro de los tallos y su altura promedio presenta aumento gradual de las cohortes de mayor edad a las más recientes. La biomasa aérea total estimada en la plantación de B. oldhamii fue de 103 403 48 Mg.ha-1 distribuida en los culmos de los cuatro años. La biomasa aérea total estimada en la plantación de G. angustifolia es 47 665 11 Mg.ha-1.(AU)

Abstract The increase of CO2 in the atmosphere can be reduced by capturing them through the photosynthetic process, with special emphasis on fast growing perennial species such as bamboo. The objective of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate the aerial biomass and estimate the carbon content for the species Guadua angustifolia Kunth and Bambusa oldhamii Munro, in commercial plantations established in communities of the Northeast Sierra of Puebla, Mexico. The estimation of population and aerial biomass for both species is tended by a selection of 10 % of plants in one hectare. The samplings were carried out from June 2016 to September 2017. For the plantation of B. Oldhamii Munro, the number of culms per plant gradually increased towards the most recent generations, from 3.6 stems in the most adult cohort to 4.5 in the youngest. The diameter of the stems and their average height show a gradual increase from the older cohorts to the recent cohorts. The total aerial biomass estimated in the plantation of B. oldhamii Munro was 103 403 48 Mgha-1 distributed in the asses of the four years. The total aerial biomass estimated in the plantation of G. angustifolia Kunth is 47 665 11 Mgha-1.(AU)

Hypocholesterolemic Properties and Prebiotic Effects of Mexican Ganoderma lucidum in C57BL/6 Mice.

Edible and medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with promising effects on several cardiovascular risk biomarkers. However, strains of Ganoderma lucidum of Mexican origin have not yet been studied. Standardized extracts of G. lucidum (Gl) were given to C57BL/6 mice fed a high-cholesterol diet compared with the drug simvastatin. The effects of the extracts on serum biochemical parameters, liver lipid content, cholesterol metabolism, and the composition of gut microbiota were assessed. Acetylsalicylic acid (10 mM) added to the cultivation substrate modulated properties of Gl extracts obtained from mature basidiomata. Compared to the high-cholesterol diet group, the consumption of Gl extracts significantly reduced total serum cholesterol (by 19.2% to 27.1%), LDL-C (by 4.5% to 35.1%), triglyceride concentration (by 16.3% to 46.6%), hepatic cholesterol (by 28.7% to 52%) and hepatic triglycerides (by 43.8% to 56.6%). These effects were associated with a significant reduction in the expression of lipogenic genes (Hmgcr, Srebp1c, Fasn, and Acaca) and genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport (Abcg5 and Abcg8), as well as an increase in Ldlr gene expression in the liver. No significant changes were observed in the gene expression of Srebp2, Abca1 or Cyp7a1. In several cases, Gl-1 or Gl-2 extracts showed better effects on lipid metabolism than the drug simvastatin. A proposed mechanism of action for the reduction in cholesterol levels is mediated by α-glucans and ß-glucans from Gl, which promoted decreased absorption of cholesterol in the gut, as well as greater excretion of fecal bile acids and cholesterol. The prebiotic effects of Gl-1 and Gl-2 extracts modulated the composition of gut microbiota and produced an increase in the Lactobacillaceae family and Lactobacillus genus level compared to the control group, high-cholesterol diet group and group supplemented with simvastatin. Mexican genetic resources of Gl represent a new source of bioactive compounds showing hypocholesterolemic properties and prebiotic effects.

[Impact of traditionally managed forest units on the landscape connectivity of Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, Mexico]. / Impacto de las unidades de selva manejada tradicionalmente en la conectividad del paisaje de la Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, México.

The ever-increasing establishment of landscape mosaics is expressed as a surrounding matrix of agricultural activities, which frames patches or remnants of the original vegetation cover. Conservation actions should be aimed to establish or to increase those interactive systems, which help to maintain the land- scape flow through linkages. Spaces occupied by traditional management systems retain and support this func- tion. In this paper, we used Geographic Information Systems to evaluate the importance of traditionally managed forest units ('acahuales'-coffee plantations) and to assess landscape connectivity in the indigenous Popoluca area of Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Mexico. The cartographic material used to establish the types of vegetation and their coverture included the period 1991-2008. At landscape level, four indices were used to assess the general situation of the habitat network, and to identify the patches of high priority. Individually, indices evaluated if patches were important for their area, their potential flow or their connecting function. Results showed that the landscape is functioning as a single system, but having low connectivity. Values improved when traditionally managed forest patches were considered as viable habitat. We detected 367 patches of very high priority, 80% belonging to forests managed traditionally. Patches were important for their potential flow (size and topologi- cal relationships). Only 70 patches were significant for their function as biological corridors between largest forests located at the top of the volcanoes, and are mostly managed forest (75%). We concluded that the units of traditionally managed forest play a significant role in landscape connectivity maintenance.

Impacto de las unidades de selva manejada tradicionalmente en la conectividad del paisaje de la Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, México / Impact of traditionally managed forest units on the landscape connectivity of Sierra de Los Tuxtlas, Mexico

The ever-increasing establishment of landscape mosaics is expressed as a surrounding matrix of agricultural activities, which frames patches or remnants of the original vegetation cover. Conservation actions should be aimed to establish or to increase those interactive systems, which help to maintain the landscape flow through linkages. Spaces occupied by traditional management systems retain and support this function. In this paper, we used Geographic Information Systems to evaluate the importance of traditionally managed forest units (‘acahuales’-coffee plantations) and to assess landscape connectivity in the indigenous Popoluca area of Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Mexico. The cartographic material used to establish the types of vegetation and their coverture included the period 1991-2008. At landscape level, four indices were used to assess the general situation of the habitat network, and to identify the patches of high priority. Individually, indices evaluated if patches were important for their area, their potential flow or their connecting function. Results showed that the landscape is functioning as a single system, but having low connectivity. Values improved when traditionally managed forest patches were considered as viable habitat. We detected 367 patches of very high priority, 80% belonging to forests managed traditionally. Patches were important for their potential flow (size and topological relationships). Only 70 patches were significant for their function as biological corridors between largest forests located at the top of the volcanoes, and are mostly managed forest (75%). We concluded that the units of traditionally managed forest play a significant role in landscape connectivity maintenance. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (3): 1099-1109. Epub 2014 September 01.

La existencia cada vez más frecuente de mosaicos de paisaje se expresa como una matriz circundante de actividades agropecuarias que enmarcan relictos de vegetación primaria. Cualquier acción de conservación debe de estar orientada a establecer o incrementar aquellos sistemas interactivos que mantengan los flujos del paisaje a través de enlaces. Los espacios ocupados por sistemas tradicionales de manejo favorecen y mantienen esta función. En el presente trabajo se evaluó, a través de un sistema de información geográfica, la importancia de las unidades de selva manejada de manera tradicional (acahuales-cafetales) en la conectividad del paisaje en la zona indígena Popoluca de la Sierra de los Tuxtlas, México. El material cartográfico utilizado para determinar los tipos de vegetación y su cobertura, abarca el periodo 1991-2008. Se emplearon cuatro índices para evaluar la conectividad a nivel paisaje y detectar cuáles son los fragmentos de muy alta prioridad para su mantenimiento. A nivel individual los índices evaluaron si los fragmentos son importantes por su área, por su flujo potencial o por su función conectora. Los resultados muestran que el paisaje funciona como un solo sistema, con baja conectividad. Los valores mejoran al incluirse la selva manejada como hábitat viable. Se detectaron 367 fragmentos de muy alta prioridad, 80% de ellos de selva manejada. Los fragmentos en su mayoría fueron importantes por el flujo potencial que representan (dimensiones y relaciones topológicas). Solo 70 fragmentos fueron importantes por su función como conectores, éstos actúan como corredores con las masas forestales de mayor tamaño localizadas en la cima de los volcanes, y son principalmente fragmentos de selva manejada (75%). Se concluye que las unidades de selva manejada de manera tradicional juegan un papel significante en el mantenimiento de la conectividad del paisaje.

Enhancement of ligninolytic enzyme activities in a Trametes maxima-Paecilomyces carneus co-culture: Key factors revealed after screening using a Plackett-Burman experimental design

Background In the industrial biotechnology, ligninolytic enzymes are produced by single fungal strains. Experimental evidence suggests that co-culture of ligninolytic fungi and filamentous microfungi results in an increase laccase activity. In this topic, only the ascomycete Trichoderma spp. has been studied broadly. However, fungal ligninolytic-filamentous microfungi biodiversity interaction in nature is abundant and poorly studied. The enhancement of laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities of Trametes maxima as a function of time inoculation of Paecilomyces carneus and under several culture conditions using Plackett-Burman experimental design (PBED) were investigated. Results The highest increases of laccase (12,382.5 U/mg protein) and MnP (564.1 U/mg protein) activities were seen in co-cultures I3 and I5, respectively, both at 10 d after inoculation. This level of activity was significantly different from the enzyme activity in non-inoculated T. maxima (4881.0 U/mg protein and 291.8 U/mg protein for laccase and MnP, respectively). PBED results showed that laccase was increased (P < 0.05) by high levels of glucose, (NH4)2SO4 and MnSO4 and low levels of KH2PO4, FeSO4 and inoculum (P < 0.05). In addition, MnP activity was increased (P < 0.05) by high yeast extract, MgSO4, CaCl2 and MnSO4 concentrations. Conclusions Interaction between indigenous fungi: T. maxima-P. carneus improves laccase and MnP activities. The inoculation time of P. carneus on T. maxima plays an important role in the laccase and MnP enhancement. The nutritional requirements for enzyme improvement in a co-culture system are different from those required for a monoculture system.

Cebadores para la amplificación del gen de la (1, 3)-Beta-glucano sintasa y caracterización parcial de la enzima en Ganoderma lucidum / Primers for (1, 3)-Beta-glucan synthase gene amplification and partial characterization of the enzyme in Ganoderma lucidum

Antecedentes. El β-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucano es un compuesto de la pared celular de los hongos que presenta efectos inmunomoduladores y anticancerígenos. La (1,3)-β-glucano sintasa es una de las principales enzimas involucradas en su síntesis. Objetivos. Diseñar cebadores para amplificar y caracterizar parcialmente el gen correspondiente a la enzima (1,3)-β-glucano sintasa y probarlos en la cepa CP-132 de Ganoderma lucidum. Métodos. Los cebadores fueron diseñados realizando una búsqueda de la secuencia del gen en otros hongos. Después, con la técnica de PCR se probaron los cebadores utilizando ADN extraído de la cepa CP-382 de G. lucidum. Las secuencias obtenidas se compararon con aquellas de la base de datos del GenBank. Resultados. Se diseñaron 3 pares de cebadores. Todos los pares amplificaron productos de PCR de tamaño esperado. Las secuencias amplificadas con los pares BGS2113UmF y BGS3097UmR, y BGS547UmF y BGS2113UmR correspondieron a un par de secciones del gen de la (1,3)-β-glucano sintasa. Las secuencias deducidas de aminoácidos mostraron una similitud alta con genes homólogos de otros hongos, especialmente con aquellos de la clase Agaricomycetes. Conclusiones. El diseño de cebadores para amplificar parcialmente el gen de la (1,3)-β-glucano sintasa a partir de secuencias de genes homólogos fue exitoso. Estos cebadores permitirán en un futuro la caracterización de esta importante enzima en un amplio grupo de hongos (AU)

[Primers for (1,3)-ß-glucan synthase gene amplification and partial characterization of the enzyme in Ganoderma lucidum]. / Cebadores para la amplificación del gen de la (1,3)-ß-glucano sintasa y caracterización parcial de la enzima en Ganoderma lucidum.

BACKGROUND: ß-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan is fungal cell wall component that has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. The (1,3)-ß-glucan synthase is one of the main enzymes involved in its biosynthesis. AIMS: To design primers to partially amplify and characterize the (1,3)-ß-glucan synthase gene and to determine them in Ganoderma lucidum (G. Lucidum) strain CP-132. METHODS: The primers were designed on the basis of homologous genes in other fungi. Then, using the PCR technique, primers were tested using DNA extracted from the G. lucidum strain CP-382. Amplified sequences were compared with those from the GenBank. RESULTS: Three primer pairs were designed; all of them produced amplicons of the expected size. The sequences obtained with primer pairs BGS2113UmF and BGS3097UmR, and BGS547UmF and BGS2113UmR matched with 2 sections of the (1,3)-ß-glucan synthase gene. The deduced amino acid sequences showed high similarity with homologous genes from other fungi, particularly with those of the Agaricomycetes class. CONCLUSIONS: The primer design to partially amplify the (1,3)-ß-glucan synthase gene of G. lucidum using sequences from homologous genes was successful. These primers will allow to characterize this important enzyme in a wide group of fungi.

OBTENCIÓN DE ESCLEROCIOS DE MORILLA (Morchella esculenta) EN DIFERENTES MEDIOS DE CULTIVO / OBTAINING SCLEROTIA OF MOREL MUSHROM (Morchella esculenta) IN DIFFERENT CULTURE MEDIA / OBTENÇÃO DE ESCLERÓCIOS DE MORILLA (Morchella esculenta) EM DIFERENTES MEIOS DE CULTIVO

Morchella esculenta es un hongo comestible de alto valor comercial y la obtención de esclerocios es considerada como la clave para su cultivo. En este trabajo se evaluó el desarrollo de la cepa IE-750 en ocho medios de cultivo sólido y seis en forma líquida, utilizando como parámetros el crecimiento micelial, la producción de biomasa, la habilidad para producir esclerocios y su biomasa. El mejor crecimiento micelial se obtuvo en el tratamiento con composta (T7: 53,87cm²), y en cuanto a la biomasa, el medio de cultivo con levadura fue mejor (T3: 80,3mg). Los tratamientos con gallinaza y composta, presentaron 40 y 80% de esclerocios, respectivamente, tanto en medio sólido como líquido. La mayor cantidad de biomasa de estas estructuras se presentó en el tratamiento con composta en medio sólido (T7: 27,04mg). Los esclerocios se obtuvieron en lapsos de 9-12 días (medio sólido) y de 7-9 días (medio líquido), lo cual es un tiempo relativamente corto y abre una posibilidad de cumplir con una de las condiciones necesarias para su domesticación.

Morchella esculenta is an edible mushroom of high commercial value and obtaining sclerotia is considered important for its cultivation. In this work, the growth of the IE-750 strain was studied in eight solid and six liquid culture media. Parameters assessed were mycelial growth, production of biomass, and ability to produce sclerotia and their biomass. The best mycelial growth was obtained in the treatment containing compost extract (T7: 53.87cm²), while the highest production of biomass was recorded in the treatment containing yeast (T3: 80.3mg). Treatments with poultry manure and compost showed 40 and 80% of sclerotia in solid and liquid media, respectively, and the highest sclerotia biomass was recorded in the compost treatment (solid medium). Sclerotia were obtained in periods of 9-12 days (solid medium) and 7-9 days (liquid medium).

Morchella esculenta é um cogumelo comestível de alto valor comercial e a obtenção de esclerócios é considerada como a chave para seu cultivo. Neste trabalho foi avaliado o desenvolvimento da cepa IE-750 em oito meios de cultivo sólido e seis em forma líquida, utilizando como parâmetros o crescimento micelial, a produção de biomassa, a habilidade para produzir esclerócios e sua biomassa. O melhor crescimento micelial foi obtido no tratamento por compostagem (T7: 53,87cm²), e em relação à biomassa, o meio de cultivo com levedura foi melhor (T3: 80,3mg). Os tratamentos de cama-de-frango e compostagem apresentaram 40 e 80% de esclerócios, respectivamente, tanto no meio sólido como líquido. A maior quantidade de biomassa de estas estruturas se apresentou no tratamento com compostagem no meio sólido (T7: 27,04 mg). Os esclerócios foram obtidos em períodos de 9-12 dias (meio sólido) e de 7-9 dias (meio líquido), o qual é tempo relativamente curto e abre uma possibilidade de cumprir com uma das condições necessárias para sua domesticação.

El efecto de la cafeina sobre el crecimiento e intracruzamiento de Pleurotus Ostreatus en el laboratorio / Effect of caffeine on the growth and intrastock matings of Pleurotus Ostreatus in the laboratory

Se investigó el comportamiento de 2 cepas mexicanas y 2 extranjeras de Pleurotus ostreatus (Jac. ex Fr.) Kumm., en medio de cultivo de agar con extracto de malta a 28-C, al cual se le adicionó cafeína en 11 concentraciones diferentes (de 0.001 a 2.00 mg/ml). También bajo las mismas condiciones, se realizaron intracruzamientos de monospóricos compatibles de las cepas. La velocidad de crescimiento de las cepas estudiadas, se vió ligeramente estimulada en concentraciones de cafeína de 0.001-0.06 mg/ml con respecto al testigo; mientras que de 0.250-2.00 mg/ml el crescimiento del micelio se limitó progresivamente hasta ser completamente inhibido. La cafeína no inhibió el intracruzamiento de los monospóricos compatibles, los cuales se dicariotizaron normalmente. Estos resultados sugieren que la cafeína no es asimilada cocmo tal por el micelio del hongo

Cultivo de diversas cepas mexicanas de Pleurotus ostreatus sobre pulpa de cafe y paja de cebada / Cultivation of several Mexican strains of Pleurotus ostreatus on coffee pulp and barley straw

Se cultivaron 10 cepas mexicanas de PlPleurotus ostreatus sobre pulpa de café y paja de cebada, las cuales se aislaron a partir de especímenes que crecían en forma silvestre sobre diversos substratos en al región de Xalapa. Ver. Las cepas variaron en cuanto a la producción de cuerpos fructíferos frescos y eficiencia biológicas obtenidas se registraron con la cepa INIREB-21 (138.13%) en la pulpa de café y con la cepa INIREB-26 (96.04%) en la paja de cebada. El tiempo para producir los primeros primordios de fructificación y para el desarrollo completo de los cuerpos fructíferos, fué menor en paja de cebada que en pulpa de café

Hibridación entre cepas de Pleurotus ostreatus de México y Guatemala / Hybridization between strains of Pleurotus ostreatus from México and Guatemala

Se hibridizaron tres cepas mexicanas de Pleurotus ostreatus con unaguatemalteca de la misma especie. el entrecruzamiento de los cuatro tipos de apareamiento de cada cepa, mostró una compatibilidad del 100%. Se observó dicariotización unilateral en 27 de los 96 entrecruzamientos compatibles realizados, donde algunos tipos de apareamiento, tanto de las cepas mexicanas como guatemalteca, actuaron como donadores o receptores de núcleos. Es posible que dicha desviación en el ciclo sexual, conduzca a la aparición de barreras genéticas entre las poblaciones de México y Guatemala

Estimación de la producción anual de residuos agroindustriales potencialmente utilizables para el cultivo de hongos comestibles en México / Estimated annual production of agricultural and forest by products which can be potencially used for edible mushroom cultivation in México

Los estados que presentan una mayor potencialidad para el uso de esquilimos agrícolas son jalisco, México, Chiapas, Guanajuato y Michoacán, ya que producen el 51.7% del total. Las pajas de ajonjolí, arroz, cártamo, cebada, trigo y sorgo se producen en 30 Estados de la República u alcanzan un volúmen de 11,342,758 ton. Las especies que pueden cultivarse en dichos esquilmos son pleurotus ostreatus y Volvariella bakeri, cuya producció aproximada podría llegar a 10,718,907 ó 145, 527 ton hongos frescos, respectivamente. En México se generan alrededor de 690,249 ton de pulpa de café, con las que se podrían obtener cerca de 110,370 ton de P. ostreatus. En 1987 se produjeron en México 12,798,194 ton de bagazo de caña, en el cual se puede cultivar P. ostreatus, alcanzando una producción potencial de 6,281,354 ton de hongos frescos. En 1986 se produjeron 147,000 ton de bagazo de henequén y cerca de 26,000 de residuos del maguey tiquilero, los cuales podrían producir aproximadamente 19,110 y 3,380 ton de P. ostreatus, respectivamente. Los principales residuos florestales son los de encino con 242,203 ton, diversos tropicales con 360,614 ton y los de pino con 4,408, 103 ton, a partir de los cuales podrían 0btenerse 84,771 ton de shiitake, 133,427 ton de Aauricularia fuscosuccinea y 1,102,025 ton de Flammulina velutipes, respectivamente

Planta productora de hongos comestibles (Pleurotus ostreatus) en Guatemala / A plant for edible mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) production in Guatemala

Se describe la primera planta productora de Pleurotus osteratus (Jacq. ex Fr.) Kumm. que opera a nivel comercial en Guatemala, utilizando la pulpa de café como substrato. La producción de cuerpos fructífero frescos durante los meses de junio-agosto de 1987 fué de 542 Kg, alcanzando una eficiencia biológica de 140%. Los hongos se comercializaron en fresco y su aceptación en el meercado fué muy buena