Extratos glicólicos de Pfaffia paniculata K E Juglans regia L: avaliação do potencial antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório, citotóxico e genotóxico / Glycolic extracts of Pfaffia paniculata K and Juglans regia L: evaluation of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential

A resistência antimicrobiana atingiu proporções alarmantes em todo o mundo, sendo que na Europa mortes causadas por micro-organismos multirresistentes superam os índices de mortalidade da AIDS, tuberculose e a gripe. Assim a fitoterapia desponta no combate a esta problemática, com as diversas atividades biológicas de plantas e seus derivados. Portanto os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a ação antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória, citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade e constituição fitoquímica dos extratos glicólicos de P. paniculata e J. regia. A ação sobre bactérias anaeróbias (Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. endodontalis, Parvimonas micra e Fusobacterium nucleatum) foi realizada por meio dos testes de microdiluição em caldo (Protocolo M11-A8 - CLSI) e sobre biofilmes monotípicos. Já a ação sobre aeróbios foi realizada sobre 3 cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae multirresistente, com testes sobre culturas planctônicas (Protocolo M7-A9) e biofilmes; Foi realizada a verificação da atividade antimicrobiana sobre biofilmes heterotípicos de Candida albicans associada a Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans ou Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A citotoxicidade e a genotoxicdade dos extratos foram avaliadas sobre macrófagos de camundongos (RAW 264.7) e queratinócitos humanos (HaCat) pelos testes de MTT e micronúcleos, respectivamente. O potencial antiinflamatório foi verificado dosando os níveis de TNF-⍺, IL-10 e IL-1ß pelo teste de ELISA. Os dados obtiveram distribuição normal sendo a análise estatística realizada por ANOVA e Tukey (p<0,05%). Os extratos de P. paniculata e J. regia promoveram CMM de 50 mg/mL para as anaeróbias. Os biofilmes de P. gingivalis e P. micra foram eliminados com 100 e 200 mg/mL dos extratos (5 min) e com as concentrações de 50 e 100 mg/mL por 24 h; F. nucleatum e P. endodontalis obtiveram reduções variando de 80 a 90%. Os biofilmes heterotípicos de C. albicans e S. mutans obtiveram reduções de até 80% após contato por 5 min. com J. regia e 71% para P. paniculata. Os biofilmes multirresistentes de K. pneumoniae obtiveram reduções na atividade metabólica de até 67,9%. P. paniculata promoveu viabilidade celular variando de 61,1% a 133,8% sobre queratinócitos humanos após 24 h de contato com as concentrações de 12,5 a 0,39 mg/mL, enquanto J. regia obteve 43,9 a 128,4% de viabilidade. Os macrófagos de camundongo obtiveram viabilidade de 18,1 a 101,9% com P. paniculata e 35,4 a 60,6% para J. regia. P. paniculata promoveu a redução nos níveis da citocina pró-inflamatória IL-1ß e aumento nos níveis da citocina antiinflamatória IL-10. Já J. regia promoveu a redução da citocina pró-inflamatória TNF-⍺. Ambos os extratos não promoveram genotoxicidade frente as linhagens celulares. A análise fitoquímica evidenciou a presença de benzofenonas e ácido cafeoilquínico nos extratos de P. paniculata e J. regia, respectivamente. Em conclusão, os extratos de P. paniculata e J. regia demonstraram ação antimicrobiana sobre bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e multirresistentes com destaque a eliminação dos biofilmes de P. gingivalis, P. endodontalis, P. micra e K. pneumoniae (multirresistentes). Os extratos demonstraram a ausência de toxicidade e genotoxicidade conforme tempo de aplicação e concentração utilizada, além de possuírem potencial anti-inflamatório(AU)

Antimicrobial resistance has reached alarming proportions worldwide, with deaths in Europe caused by multi-resistant microorganisms exceeding the mortality rates from AIDS, tuberculosis and influenza. Thus phytotherapy emerges in the fight against this problem, with the various biological activities of plants and their derivatives. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate the antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and phytochemical constitution of the glycolic extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia. The action on anaerobic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. endodontalis, Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum) was carried out by means of broth microdilution tests (Protocol M11-A8 - CLSI) and on monotypic biofilms. The action on aerobes was performed on 3 strains of multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, with tests on planktonic cultures (Protocol M7-A9) and biofilms; The verification of antimicrobial activity on heterotypic biofilms of Candida albicans associated with Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans or Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also performed. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the extracts were evaluated on mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human keratinocytes (HaCat) by MTT and micronucleus tests, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by the ELISA test, TNF-⍺, IL-10 and IL-1ß levels were measured. The data obtained a normal distribution and the statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey (p <0.05%). The extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia promoted CMM of 50 mg / mL for anaerobes. The biofilms of P. gingivalis and P. micra were eradicated with 100 and 200 mg / mL of the extracts (5 min) and with the concentrations of 50 and 100 mg / mL (24 hours); F. nucleatum and P. endodontalis obtained reductions ranging from 80 to 90%. The heterotypic biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans obtained reductions of up to 80% after contact for 5 minutes with J. regia and 71% for P. paniculata. The multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae obtained reductions in metabolic activity of up to 67.9%. The P. paniculata extract promoted cell viability ranging from 61.1% to 133.8% on human keratinocytes after 24 h of contact with concentrations of 12.5 to 0.39 mg / mL, while J. regia obtained 43, 9 to 128.4% viability. Mouse macrophages obtained viability from 18.1 to 101.9% with P. paniculata and 35.4 to 60.6% for J. regia. P. paniculata promoted a reduction in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß and an increase in the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. J. regia promoted the reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-⍺. Both extracts did not promote genotoxicity against cell lines. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of benzophenones and caffeoylquinic acid in the extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia, respectively. In conclusion, the extracts of P. paniculata and J. regia demonstrated antimicrobial action on aerobic and anaerobic and multiresistant bacteria, with emphasis on the elimination of the biofilms of P. gingivalis, P. endodontalis and P. micra, as well as the reductions of the biofilms of K. pneumoniae multidrug-resistant. The extracts demonstrated the absence of toxicity and genotoxicity according to the time of application and concentration used, in addition to having anti-inflammatory potential(AU)

Evidence of Cross-Reactivity between Different Seed Storage Proteins from Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) and Walnut (Juglans regia) Using Recombinant Allergen Proteins.

Seed storage proteins are extremely stable allergens in nuts, seeds, and legumes and are responsible for the most severe allergic reactions to these foods. The cross-reactivity between seed storage proteins from different sources has not been studied at a molecular level so far. This study aimed to ascertain the cross-reactivity between walnut and hazelnut seed storage proteins using recombinant allergens. Sera from 13 consecutive patients with severe primary walnut and/or hazelnut allergy and hypersensitive to both nuts were studied. IgE specific for rCor a 9, rCor a 14, and rJug r 1 was measured, and inhibition experiments were carried out by measuring IgE reactivity after absorption of patients' sera with freshly prepared walnut extract. All 13 sera showed strong IgE reactivity against walnut 2S albumin, Jug r 1, 12 reacted to hazelnut 2S albumin, Cor a 14, and 8 to the hazelnut legumin, Cor a 9. In inhibition experiments, absorption of sera with whole walnut extract led to the complete disappearance of IgE reactivity to Jug r 1 in 12/13 cases, as expected, but also to the complete disappearance of specific IgE to Cor a 14 in 9/12 sera, and of IgE reactivity to Cor a 9 in 7/8. In the remaining cases a dramatic drop in IgE reactivity was observed. The study shows that patients primarily allergic to either walnut or hazelnut showing a skin or serological reactivity to the other nut also are potentially at risk of severe allergic reactions caused by cross-reactivity between 2S albumins and legumins.

Food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis in a patient allergic to peach.

Determining the single factor that triggered anaphylactic shock can be challenging. We present an interesting case of a 25-year-old female patient with recurrent anaphylactic reactions developing after eating various foods, particularly in presence of co-factors of allergic reactions. Symptoms occurred after consumption of various kinds of foods - peach, pancakes with cottage cheese and fruit, a meal from a Chinese restaurant - all eaten on other occasions without symptoms. During diagnosis, skin prick tests were negative for all tested allergen extracts (both inhalatory and food) from Allergopharma. Prick by prick tests were positive for the peach - wheal diameter - 6 mm, nectarine - 4 mm (histamine 4 mm, negative control 0 mm). Increased levels of asIgE were found for allergens of peach (0.55 kU/L).Open challenge test with one mid-size peach combined with the physical exercise challenge test was positive. ImmunoCAP ISAC test indicated increased levels of IgE specific for the lipid transfer protein (LTP) for walnut (nJug r 3), peach (Pru p 3), wheat (rTri a 14) and plane tree (rPla a 3). The patient was diagnosed with food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis associated with an allergy to lipid transport proteins (LTPs).

Effects of Long-Term Walnut Supplementation on Body Weight in Free-Living Elderly: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To assess the effects of chronic walnut consumption on body weight and adiposity in elderly individuals. Methods: The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study is a dual-center (Barcelona, Spain and Loma Linda University (LLU)), 2-year randomized parallel trial. This report concerns only the LLU cohort. Healthy elders (mean age 69 year, 67% women) were randomly assigned to walnut (n = 183) or control diets (n = 173). Subjects in the walnut group received packaged walnuts (28⁻56 g/day), equivalent to ≈15% of daily energy requirements, to incorporate into their habitual diet, while those in the control group abstained from walnuts. Adiposity was measured periodically, and data were adjusted for in-trial changes in self-reported physical activity. Results: After 2 years, body weight significantly decreased (p = 0.031), while body fat significantly increased (p = 0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed between the control and walnut groups regarding body weight (-0.6 kg and -0.4 kg, respectively, p = 0.67) or body fat (+0.9% and +1.3%, respectively, p = 0.53). Lean body mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio remained essentially unchanged. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the findings of primary analysis. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that walnuts can be incorporated into the daily diet of healthy elders without concern for adverse effects on body weight or body composition.

A subset of walnut allergic adults is sensitized to walnut 11S globulin Jug r 4.

BACKGROUND: The role of sensitization to commercially available allergens of English walnut (Juglans regia) Jug r 1, 2 and 3 in walnut allergy has been previously investigated in walnut allergic adults and was unable to explain all cases of walnut allergy. OBJECTIVES: Identify recognized walnut allergens, other than the ones previously investigated (Jug r 1-3), in walnut allergic adults and determine the sensitization frequency and diagnostic value. METHODS: Three different in-house walnut extracts were prepared and analysed on SDS-PAGE blots to identify allergenic walnut proteins. Immunoblots and immunoprecipitation, followed by LC-MS analysis, were performed to screen for, and confirm, IgE binding to walnut allergens in selected walnut allergic adults. In a cohort of 55 walnut challenged adults, including 33 allergic and 22 tolerant, sensitization to native and recombinant walnut allergen Jug r 4 was assessed using immunoblotting and immuno-line blot (EUROLINE), respectively. RESULTS: Screening of sera of 8 walnut allergic adults identified Jug r 4 as an allergen in our population. In the total cohort of 55 subjects, 5 were positive for Jug r 4 on immunoblot and 10 on EUROLINE. All but one EUROLINE positive subject had a positive food challenge (sensitivity 27%, specificity 95%, PPV 90%, NPV 47%). All 5 subjects positive on immunoblot were also positive on EUROLINE. LC-MS analysis showed a lack of Jug r 4 in the ImmunoCAP extract. Co-sensitization to other 11S albumins (eg hazelnut Cor a 9) was common in Jug r 4 sensitized subjects, potentially due to cross-reactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Walnut 11S globulin Jug r 4 is a relevant minor allergen, recognized by 27% of walnut allergic adults. It has a high positive predictive value of 90% for walnut allergy. Specific IgE against Jug r 4 occurred mostly with concomitant sensitization to other walnut components, mainly Jug r 1.

A Walnut-Enriched Diet Affects Gut Microbiome in Healthy Caucasian Subjects: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Regular walnut consumption is associated with better health. We have previously shown that eight weeks of walnut consumption (43 g/day) significantly improves lipids in healthy subjects. In the same study, gut microbiome was evaluated. We included 194 healthy subjects (134 females, 63 ± 7 years, BMI 25.1 ± 4.0 kg/m²) in a randomized, controlled, prospective, cross-over study. Following a nut-free run-in period, subjects were randomized to two diet phases (eight weeks each); 96 subjects first followed a walnut-enriched diet (43 g/day) and then switched to a nut-free diet, while 98 subjects followed the diets in reverse order. While consuming the walnut-enriched diet, subjects were advised to either reduce fat or carbohydrates or both to account for the additional calories. Fecal samples were collected from 135 subjects at the end of the walnut-diet and the control-diet period for microbiome analyses. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was clustered with a 97% similarity into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). UniFrac distances were used to determine diversity between groups. Differential abundance was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. All analyses were performed using Rhea. Generalized UniFrac distance shows that walnut consumption significantly affects microbiome composition and diversity. Multidimensional scaling (metric and non-metric) indicates dissimilarities of approximately 5% between walnut and control (p = 0.02). The abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Bifidobacteria increased significantly (p < 0.02) while Clostridium sp. cluster XIVa species (Blautia; Anaerostipes) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during walnut consumption. The effect of walnut consumption on the microbiome only marginally depended on whether subjects replaced fat, carbohydrates or both while on walnuts. Daily intake of 43 g walnuts over eight weeks significantly affects the gut microbiome by enhancing probiotic- and butyric acid-producing species in healthy individuals. Further evaluation is required to establish whether these changes are preserved during longer walnut consumption and how these are linked to the observed changes in lipid metabolism.

Probable walnut-induced anaphylactic reaction in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis due to nuts is frequent in humans; to the best of the authors' knowledge, it has not been reported previously in dogs. CASE REPORT: A 5-year-old female, intact, Vizsla dog was presented with acute diarrhoea, vomiting, respiratory distress and erythematous wheals. The dog had eaten walnuts, which she had been fed in small amounts for years, hours before the onset of clinical signs. A diagnosis of generalized anaphylaxis was made. Skin testing and Western blotting revealed positive results with walnuts and hazelnuts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This case report illustrates the need for a thorough food history and for recognition that a dog may experience severe allergic reactions to unusual and regularly fed food items. It also shows that allergen specific tests may help to confirm the diagnosis and help in planning the dog's future dietary regime.

IgE cross-reactivity of peanut with walnut and soybean in children with food allergy

BACKGROUND: Peanut allergies are common and can be life-threating for sensitised individuals. Peanut allergens share significant amino acid homology with those of other legumes and tree nuts, but their cross-reactivity still remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the clinical significance of the cross-reactivity of peanut allergens with those of walnut and soybean. METHODS: Pooled sera from eight subjects with both peanut and walnut specific IgE were investigated in an inhibition test. After the sera were incubated with either peanut or walnut protein extracts, the quantity of IgE antibodies against the peanut and walnut was measured using an immunoCAP test. Likewise, pooled sera from 18 subjects with both peanut and soybean specific IgE antibodies were incubated with either peanut or soybean protein extracts and evaluated with a peanut and soybean immunoCAP test. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were also performed with peanut, walnut and soybean protein extracts and relevant sera. RESULTS: Peanut specific IgE was inhibited up to 20% and 26% by walnut and soybean protein extracts, respectively. In reverse, walnut and soybean specific IgE were inhibited up to 21% and 23% by peanut protein extracts, respectively. In the immunoblot analysis, pooled serum from the subjects with peanut specific IgE antibodies reacted with walnut protein extracts significantly. CONCLUSION: Although the clinical significance of the cross-reactivity of peanut specific IgE with walnut and soybean protein extracts has not been established, we believe that individuals who are allergic to peanuts need to be cautious about consuming walnuts and soybeans

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Effects of a pre-existing food allergy on the oral introduction of food proteins: findings from a murine model.

Cashew-allergic mice develop elevated walnut-specific IgE upon oral feeding of walnut proteins. Ingestion of tree nuts in the presence of a known nut allergy could lead to additional sensitizations and anaphylaxis following subsequent exposure.

Allergenic properties and differential response of walnut subjected to processing treatments.

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in walnut allergenicity after processing treatments by in vitro techniques and physiologically relevant assays. The allergenicity of walnuts subjected to high hydrostatic pressure and thermal/pressure treatments was evaluated by IgE-immunoblot and antibodies against walnut major allergen Jug r 4. The ability of processed walnut to cross-link IgE on effector cells was evaluated using a rat basophil leukaemia cell line and by skin prick testing. Susceptibility to gastric and duodenal digestion was also evaluated. The results showed that walnuts subjected to pressure treatment at 256 kPa, 138 °C, were able to diminish the IgE cross-linking capacity on effector cells more efficiently than high pressure treated walnuts. IgE immunoblot confirmed these results. Moreover, higher susceptibility to digestion of pressure treated walnut proteins was observed. The use of processed walnuts with decreased IgE binding capacity could be a potential strategy for walnut tolerance induction.

Walnut allergens: molecular characterization, detection and clinical relevance.

Food-induced allergies have been regarded as an emergent problem of public health. Classified as important allergenic ingredients, the presence of walnut and other nuts as hidden allergens in processed foods constitutes a risk for sensitized individuals, being a real problem of allergen management. Attending to the increasing importance dedicated to walnut allergy, this review intends to provide the relevant and up-to-date information on main issues such as the prevalence of walnut allergy, the clinical threshold levels, the molecular characterization of walnut allergens and their clinical relevance, as well as the methodologies for walnut allergen detection in foods. As the walnut used in human diet comes from Juglans regia and Juglans nigra, the molecular characterization of the allergens from both species included in the prolamins (Jug r 1, Jug n 1 and Jug r 3), cupins (Jug r 2, Jug n 2 and Jug r 4) and profilins (Jug r 5), together with respective clinical relevance, were compiled in this review. The most recent progresses on walnut allergen detection techniques (protein- and DNA-based) are described and critically compared, including the emergent multitarget approaches.

Molecular allergology in practice: an unusual case of LTP allergy.

The authors describe an unusual case of LTP allergy. A 35 years old patient presented repeated episodes of angiooedema after food intake and complained 10 years ago of contact urticaria and rhinoconjunctivitis when exposed to cannabis leaves and to marijuana smoke. The suspected responsible foods, such as wheat flour in bread, are known to contain LTR Oral syndrome occurred after ingestion of walnuts. Cutaneous tests confirmed immediate responses to several flours and nuts and also to cannabis leaf and flower. A few months later he had similar accidents following peach ingestion and drinking of beer and several wines which all induced positive skin tests. Serological investigations using ImmunoCAP and ISAC microarray confirmed IgE positivity for n Pru p3, r Cor a 8 and n Art v3. It was assumed that sensitization to LTP, the major allergen of cannabis, was responsible of the primary sensitization and induced further LTP food allergies.

In vivo and T cell cross-reactivity between walnut, cashew and peanut.

BACKGROUND: Examination of IgE cross-reactivity among nuts has been limited to in vitro experiments. Cross-reactivity studies of nuts at the T cell level are difficult to interpret because of the inability to determine which cellular responses are from a true sensitization and which are due to cross-reactivity. Using a mouse model in which the sensitizing nuts are controlled may provide novel methods to investigate in vivo and T cell cross-reactivity. METHODS: C3H/HeJ mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of cashew alone (monosensitized mice), or cashew plus walnut, utilizing alum as an adjuvant. Both groups underwent challenges to cashew, walnut and peanut, with subsequent monitoring of anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylactic antibodies were quantified by ELISA, and protein allergens were identified by Western blotting. Cellular responses were studied via splenocyte proliferation assay and measurement of secreted cytokines. RESULTS: The monosensitized mice reacted to cashew and walnut during challenges, with significantly weaker reactions induced on challenge with peanut. Cross-reactive IgE to walnut and peanut were detected by ELISA, and the cross-reactive allergens were identified as vicilin proteins. In cellular assays, splenocytes from the monosensitized mice proliferated and produced IL-4 and IL-5 in response to cashew, walnut and peanut. The cashew- plus walnut-sensitized mice experienced stronger clinical reactions to walnut, recognized additional walnut allergens and secreted significantly more IL-4 and IL-5 in walnut-stimulated splenocyte assays compared to the monosensitized mice. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-reactivity in vivo was found between cashew and walnut, while cross-reactivity among cashew, walnut and peanut was demonstrated at the T cell level.

Acute irritant contact dermatitis due to Juglans regia.

Juglone is the active ingredient of the green flesh of walnuts and is known to be a strong irritant. We report the first two paediatric cases of contact pigmentation and acute irritant contact dermatitis due to the juice of green walnut husks in two young nursery-school playmates.