Protective role of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as dietary carcinogen-binding agents - a review.

The importance of food contaminants in the link between diet and cancer has been widely demonstrated. Therefore, different physical and chemical strategies for the control of human exposure to such dietary carcinogens has been explored; however, most of these strategies are complex, costly, and have low efficiency which limited their applications. Hence, microbiological methods have been receiving more attention. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast may act as dietary carcinogen-binding agents. This review describes the promising protective role of strains belonging mainly to the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces genera by acting as dietary carcinogen-binding agents. This property suggests that these microorganisms may have a protective role by reducing the bioaccessibility of dietary carcinogens, thereby decreasing their toxic effects. The mechanisms by which the binding process takes place have not been completely elucidated; thus, the possible underlying mechanisms and factors influencing carcinogens-binding will be addressed.

Effects of EGF and melatonin on gene expression of cumulus cells and further in vitro embryo development in bovines.

Despite previous research demonstrating the benefits of including growth factors and antioxidants to maturation medium to support embryo production, to date the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and melatonin (Mel) on oocyte competency has not been studied. This study supplemented in vitro maturation (IVM) medium with EGF (10 ng/ml) and Mel (50 ng/ml) alone, or in combination, and evaluated cumulus cell (CC) gene expression and the development and quality of parthenogenetic blastocysts. No differences in CC gene expression levels indicative of developmental potential were found among the treatment groups. Antioxidant gene CuZnSOD was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in CCs from the Mel group. Moreover, blastocyst rates on day 7 were significantly increased in EGF or Mel (P < 0.05), but not EGF+Mel. Significant decrease (P < 0.05) in GPX1, CuZnSOD, SLC2A1 and HSPA1A (P = 0.07) mRNA levels was observed in blastocysts from the Mel group. OCT4 gene expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in EGF+Mel and confirmed using immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that, despite the lack of changes of competence-related genes in CCs, IVM medium supplemented with Mel improved the culture environment sufficiently, resulting in improved blastocysts. Moreover, EGF and Mel combined during maturation increased OCT4 gene and protein expression in blastocysts, indicating its potential for stem cells.

Antioxidant capacity and identification of radical scavenging peptides from Crema de Chiapas, Fresco and Cocido cheeses.

Bioactive peptides may positively impact bodily functions. One of these are the antioxidant peptides which are well documented for a wide variety of food matrices, mostly from plant sources. Nevertheless, information of antioxidant milk-derived peptides is still a little-known field. The present study was aimed to evaluating the antioxidant capacity (AC) in vitro of water soluble extracts < 3 kDa (WSE) from three artisanal Mexican cheeses: Crema de Chiapas (CrC), Fresco (FC) and Cocido (CC). This study was carried out for cheeses of different days of storage (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20) at 4 °C. AC was assayed to the respective WSE by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diamoniun salt (ABTS) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods and those WSE that showed the most antioxidant capacity from each cheese were analyzed by using RP-HPLC/MS to identify and characterize the novel specific peptides. All the WSE analyzed show antioxidant capacity, especially those from CrC and CC which display the highest AC at 15 days of storage. Regarding to WSE from FC, the AC was constant during storage. Identified structures reveal that these novel peptides possess high content of specific amino acids, mainly proline, valine, leucine and phenylalanine, of which it has already been shown antioxidant properties. This study demonstrate that these artisanal Mexican cheeses are sources of potential antioxidant peptides.

AN OVERVIEW AND OUR APPROACH IN THE TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT CUTANEOUS TUMOURS OF THE HAND.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of malignant cutaneous tumours of the hand is often difficult because of the different anatomic structures present in this region and yet clinicians must be able to distinguish typical benign entities from life-threatening or limb-threatening malignant diseases. Due to the hand's complex structures located in a small area, surgeons must evaluate constantly the balance of inadequate surgery against functional and cosmetic aspects. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for a correct diagnosis and treatment design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, 354 consecutive patients with basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma of the hand were retrospectively analysed at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Palermo, treatment was surgical for all of them; also radio- and chemotherapy were necessary based on the histological diagnosis. RESULTS: The most common tumour was basal cell carcinoma (BCCs), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). Melanoma was the most frequent lesion diagnosed in the digits. Radical excision was the main treatment of choice. In 29 cases (11 with SCC, 18 with melanoma) axillary lymphadenectomy was performed, because of lymph nodes metastases. In the follow up, the spread of cancer to distant organs caused the death in three cases. Recurrence rate was higher in case of infiltrative SCCs and BCCs. CONCLUSIONS: The major references provide only limited information on malignant soft-tissue tumours of the hand. Our retrospective study aims to present the most commonly observed malignant soft-tissue tumours of the hand, analysing their causes, their objective and instrumental evaluation, and their treatments.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) exert immunostimulatory and protective effects in shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) stimulate immune responses in mammals but they have not been tested in species of relevance in aquaculture. In this study the immunostimulant and protective potential of orally administered AuNP against V. parahaemolyticus, the causative agent of Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease, was determined in shrimp. Synthetized AuNP (18.57 ±â€¯4.37 nm) were moderately dispersed with a negative ζ potential of -10.3 ±â€¯0.208 mV (pH = 7). AuNP were administered (single dose) at 0.2, 2, and 20 µg/g feed in shrimp. Hemolymph samples were withdrawn daily for 6 days. Hemolymph or hemocytes were used to determine total hemocyte counts, immune-related enzymatic activities, and expression of immune-relevant genes. Hepatopancreas was sampled for the analysis of AuNP biodistribution and histological examination. Survival was recorded daily. No mortality or toxicity signs in hepatopancreas were found. AuNP were detected in hepatopancreas. Early (24-48 h) immunostimulation was mainly related to immune gene up-regulation. Upon a challenge with V. parahaemolyticus, survival was higher (80%) and histopathological damages were lower in shrimp treated with the 2 µg/g dose when compared to the control. Therefore orally administered AuNP are proposed as immunostimulants that protect shrimp against V. parahaemolyticus infection.

Cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise haemodynamics and birth outcomes: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study.

OBJECTIVE: Determine associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate recovery (HRR) following a maximal exercise test performed years preceding pregnancy with odds of preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks' gestation) and small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight <10th percentile) delivery. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal. SETTING: Multi-site, observational cohort study initially consisting of 2787 black and white women aged 18-30 at baseline (1985-86) and followed for 25 years (Y25; 2010-2011). POPULATION: 768 nulliparous women at baseline who reported ≥1 live birth by the Y25 exam. METHODS: We used Poisson regression to determine associations of exposures with PTB/SGA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PTB and/or SGA births. RESULTS: Women with PTB (n = 143) and/or SGA (n = 88) were younger, had completed fewer years of education and were more likely to be black versus women without PTB/SGA (n = 546). Women with PTB/SGA had lower fitness (501 ± 9 versus 535 ± 6 seconds, P < 0.002) and higher submaximal SBP than women without PTB/SGA (144 ± 1 versus 142 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.04). After adjustment, no exercise test variables were associated with PTB/SGA, though the association with HRR and submaximal SBP approached significance in the subset of women who completed the exercise test <5 years before the index birth. CONCLUSIONS: Neither fitness nor haemodynamic responses to exercise a median of 5 years preceding pregnancy, were associated with PTB/SGA. These findings indicate excess likelihood of PTB/SGA is not detectable by low fitness or exercise haemodynamic responses 5 years preceding pregnancy, but exercise testing, especially HRR and submaximal SBP, may be more useful when conducted closer to the onset of pregnancy. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Exercise testing conducted >5 years before pregnancy may not detect women likely to have PTB/SGA.

Oral propylene glycol modifies follicular fluid and gene expression profiles in cumulus-oocyte complexes and embryos in feed-restricted heifers.

Dietary supplementation with propylene glycol (PG) increases in vitro production of high-quality embryos in feed-restricted heifers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PG in feed-restricted heifers on follicular fluid insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 concentrations, expression of IGF system genes in oocytes and cumulus cells and the expression of selected genes in blastocysts. Feed-restricted (R) heifers were drenched with water or PG during induced oestrous cycles (400mL of PG or water/drench, daily drenching at 1600 hours for the first 9 days of the oestrous cycle). Ovum pick-up (OPU) was performed after superovulation to produce in vitro embryos and without superovulation to recover oocytes, cumulus cells and follicular fluid. OPU was also performed in a control group (not feed restricted and no drenching). Follicular fluid IGF1 concentrations were reduced by R, and PG restored IGF1 concentrations to those seen in the control group. In cumulus cells, expression of IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and IGF binding protein 4 (IGFBP4) was decreased in the R group, and fully (IGF1 and IGF1R) or partially (IGFBP4) restored to control levels by PG. Blastocyst perilipin 2 (PLIN2; also known as adipophilin), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), SCL2A1 (facilitated glucose/fructose transporter GLUT1), aquaporin 3 (AQP3), DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and heat shock 70-kDa protein 9 (HSPA9B) expression were decreased in R heifers; PG restored the expression of the last four genes to control levels. In conclusion, these results suggest that, during follicular growth, PG exerts epigenetic regulatory effects on gene expression in blastocyst stage embryos.

Assessment of multifunctional activity of bioactive peptides derived from fermented milk by specific Lactobacillus plantarum strains.

Milk-derived bioactive peptides with a single activity (e.g., antioxidant, immunomodulatory, or antimicrobial) have been previously well documented; however, few studies describe multifunctional bioactive peptides, which may be preferred over single-activity peptides, as they can simultaneously trigger, modulate, or inhibit multiple physiological pathways. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory, antihemolytic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities of crude extracts (CE) and peptide fractions (<3 and 3-10 kDa) obtained from fermented milks with specific Lactobacillus plantarum strains. Overall, CE showed higher activity than both peptide fractions (<3 and 3-10 kDa) in most of the activities assessed. Furthermore, activity of <3 kDa was generally higher, or at least equal, to the 3 to 10 kDa peptide fractions. In particular, L. plantarum 55 crude extract or their fractions showed the higher anti-inflammatory (723.68-1,759.43µg/mL of diclofenac sodium equivalents), antihemolytic (36.65-74.45% of inhibition), and antioxidant activity [282.8-362.3µmol of Trolox (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO) equivalents]. These results provide valuable evidence of multifunctional role of peptides derived of fermented milk by the action of specific L. plantarum strains. Thus, they may be considered for the development of biotechnological products to be used to reduce the risk of disease or to enhance a certain physiological function.

Expectations and limitations of ovarian tissue transplantation.

Constant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer disease has increased the number and prognosis of cancer survivors. However, the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on ovarian function have resulted in premature ovarian failure. Patients are, therefore, still expecting methods to be developed to preserve their fertility successfully. Several potential options are available to preserve fertility in patients who face premature ovarian failure, including immature or mature oocyte and embryo cryopreservation. However, for children or prepubertal women needing immediate chemotherapy, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the only alternative. The ultimate aim of this strategy is to implant ovarian tissue into the pelvic cavity (orthotopic site) or in a heterotopic site once oncological treatment is completed and the patient is disease free. Transplantation of ovarian tissue with sufficiently large numbers of follicles could potentially restore endocrine function and allow multiple cycles for conception. However, the success of ovarian tissue transplantation still has multiple challenges, such as the low number of follicles in the graft that may affect their longevity as well as the survival of the tissue during ex vivo processing and subsequent transplantation. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the achievements of ovary grafting and the potential techniques that have been developed to improve ovarian graft survival.

SURGICAL CORRECTION OF LABIA MINORA HYPERTROPHY, A PERSONAL TECHNIQUE.

BACKGROUND: Labia minora hypertrophy is a congenital or acquired condition in which both labia minora (or more rarely only one) protrude beyond the edge of the labia majora. The authors present a surgical technique of volumetric reduction of hypertrophic labia minora, associated with lipofilling of the labia majora. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2014, 27 patients underwent surgical reduction of labia minora, as described by Altier and Rouzier. The indications for surgical treatment varied and were as follows: interference with sexual intercourse; poor hygiene; difficulty wearing tight-fitting pants; difficulty while performing sporting activities such as cycling; aesthetic complaints. The surgical resection was associated with fat graft injection in labia majora in order to protect and cover the labia minora. The mean follow up was 1 year. RESULTS: The labia majora, increased in volume and firmness, cover and protect the labia minora slightly hypertrophic or surgically reduced. All patients reported an improvement in comfort, aesthetic appearance, when wearing close-fitting clothes and an improvement in their sexuality. In one case we recorded a "recurrence", with an increase of dimensions in width of labia minora, still lower than the preoperative situation but greater than the immediate postop. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of labia minora hypertrophy with conservative techniques allows achieving excellent results in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The simple lipofilling of labia majora allows preserving and protecting the labia minora through a volumetric increase of the labia majora.

Invited review: Fermented milk as antihypertensive functional food.

Over the past decade, interest has risen in fermented dairy foods that promote health and could prevent diseases such as hypertension. This biological effect has mainly been attributed to bioactive peptides encrypted within dairy proteins that can be released during fermentation with specific lactic acid bacteria or during gastrointestinal digestion. The most studied bioactive peptides derived from dairy proteins are antihypertensive peptides; however, a need exists to review the different studies dealing with the evaluation of antihypertensive fermented milk before a health claim may be associated with the product. Thus, the objective of this overview was to present available information related to the evaluation of fermented milk containing antihypertensive peptides by in vitro and in vivo studies, which are required before a fermented functional dairy product may be introduced to the market. Although commercial fermented milks with antihypertensive effects exist, these are scarce and most are based on Lactobacillus helveticus. Thus, a great opportunity is available for the development of functional dairy products with new lactic acid bacteria that support heart health through blood pressure- and heart rate-lowering effects. Hence, the consumer may be willing to pay a premium for foods with important functional benefits.

Screening of Lactobacillus strains for their ability to produce conjugated linoleic acid in milk and to adhere to the intestinal tract.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to provide beneficial effects on health; however, the amount consumed in food is far from that required for the desired effects. Thus, increasing the CLA content in dairy foods through milk fermentation with specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) offers an interesting alternative. Moreover, some LAB may be able to adhere to the intestinal mucosa and produce CLA through endogenous synthesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to screen LAB isolates for their ability to produce CLA in skim milk and in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, the ability of selected CLA-producing LAB to adhere to the intestinal mucosa in a murine model was assessed. Results showed that of 13 strains of Lactobacillus tested, only 4 were able to produce CLA in skim milk supplemented with linoleic acid (13.44 ± 0.78 to 50.9 ± 0.26 µg/mL). Furthermore, these 4 Lactobacillus strains were able to survive and produce CLA in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and to adhere to the intestinal mucosa of Wistar rats after 7 d of oral inoculation with fluorescently labeled bacteria. Accordingly, these 4 Lactobacillus strains may be used to manufacture fermented dairy foods to increase CLA content, and consumption of these fermented milks may result in CLA produced endogenously by these LAB.

Modulation of TNF-α, TNF-α receptors and IL-6 after treatment with AM3 in professional cyclists.

AIM: Changes in IL-6, TNF-α, and TNF-α receptors - sTNFRI and sTNFRII - were evaluated in a group of professional cyclists treated with immunomodulator AM3 (Inmunoferón®) for 6 months of training and competition. METHODS: Sixteen male professional cyclists with a similar training program participated in the study which was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Venous blood samples were collected in basal conditions, before beginning the supplementation program, and after 90 and 180 days of training and competition season. RESULTS: No significant differences in biochemical parameters or in IL-6 were evidenced between placebo and AM3-treated groups throughout the study. Plasma TNF-α levels significantly decreased (P<0.05) after 90 days of training in the AM3 treated group. TNF-α receptors increased during training season in both placebo and AM3 treated groups, although the increase was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the AM3 group with respect to the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The changes produced by regular training and competition were modified throughout the season by AM3 treatment which could reduce the inflammatory response to excessive exercise.

[Mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral insufficiency: likelihood of success, early and-long term results at 20 years]. / Reparación valvular mitral en insuficiencia mitral degenerativa: reparabilidad, resultados inmediatos y seguimiento hasta 20 años.

BACKGROUND: The 2014 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease require to know the probability of success and operative mortality of Mitral Valve Repair (MVR) for Degenerative Mitral Insufficiency (DMI) at a given institution. AIM: To assess the probability of success, operative mortality and long-term results of MVR for DMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The database of the Cardiovascular Surgery Service was reviewed for the period December 1991 to December 2013. Long-term survival information was obtained from death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. RESULTS: One hundred forty seven patients with DMI were identified, all operated by one author (RZ). In 28 (19%) the mitral valve was replaced, including three patients in whom a MVR was intended without success. A successful MVR was performed in 119 patients (81%). The probability of a successful MVR was 97.5% (119 of 122). Prolapsed posterior leaflet was present in 81% and annulus dilatation in 60% of cases. The most frequent surgical procedures were quadrilateral resection (83%) and chordal transfer (13%). A mitral annuloplasty was performed in 92% of cases. Operative mortality was 0.8%. At the end of a 9.9 (0 - 22.7) years follow-up, 87 patients (73%) were alive and mean survival was 16.9 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 91%, 78%, 71% and 50%, respectively. Six patients were re-operated, due to mitral valve dysfunction in three. Mean re-operation free survival was 21.4 years. Echocardiographic follow-up was 75% completed at an average of 64 months; 84% of cases had no or only 1+ mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, MVR for DMI had an operative mortality below 1% and a probability of success greater than 95%, with excellent long-term results.

[Twenty years of mitral valve repair. An experience in 322 patients]. / Veinte años de cirugía reparadora de la válvula mitral.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair is the preferred procedure for the surgical treatment of mitral valve insufficiency (MI), procedure that we initiated 20 years ago. AIM: To assess our experience and long-term results of mitral valve repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The database of the cardiology department was reviewed for the period between December 1991 and December 2012. A total of 322 patients aged 18 to 89 years (62% males) undergoing mitral valve repair were identified. Long-term survival information was obtained consulting death certificate records of the Chilean Identification Service. The latest echocardiogram available was analyzed. RESULTS: MI was degenerative in 144 patients (45%) and ischemic in 104 (32%). A prosthetic ring was used in all ischemic and in 92% of non-ischemic MI. Operative mortality was 7.5%, 13% in ischemic and 4.4% in non-ischemic MI (p < 0.01). Overall long-term survival was 14.1 years; 9.3 and 16 years for ischemic and non-ischemic MI, respectively (p < 0.001). Survival at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years was 79, 63, 54 and 42%, respectively. For degenerative MI survival at 5 and 10 years was 90 and 76% and for ischemic MI, it was 64 and 44%, respectively (p < 0.001). On a multivariate analysis the main predictors of late mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology. Echocardiographic follow-up was available for 223 patients; MI was absent in 53% and was mild in 29%. CONCLUSIONS: In a 20 years follow-up, mitral valve repair for MI had excellent long-term survival and echocardiographic results. The most common etiologies of MI were degenerative and ischemic diseases. The latter had a worst prognosis. The main predictors of long term mortality were age, associated valvular disease and ischemic etiology.

[Long term results of mitral balloon valvuloplasty]. / Resultados a largo plazo de la valvuloplastía mitral con balón.

BACKGROUND: Mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) is the therapy of choice for the treatment of symptomatic mitral stenosis with suitable anatomy. Although its short and mid-term results are favorable, there is a paucity of information about long-term follow-up. AIM: To assess the late results of MBV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 225 patients aged 8 to 20 years who were subjected to a MBV from 1989 to 2001, was studied. All variables at the time of the procedure, short and long-term results and major events during follow-up (new mitral intervention and mortality) were recorded. Uni and multivariate analysis were used to assess prognosis. RESULTS: The mean follow-up lapse was 13.5 years (range 8 to 20 years). During this period, 88 patients (39.1%) remained event-free and in acceptable functional capacity. Eight percent died, 8% required a second MBV and 43.5% required a surgical mitral valve replacement. A post-procedural area equal or greater to 1.9 cm² was associated with a greater likelihood of free-event survival (log rank test: p = 0.02/Cox proportional regression model: coefficient 0.54, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: MBV is effective, although there is a high chance of new interventions in the long-term follow-up. A larger post-procedure mitral area is associated with a better prognosis.

Unveiling the crystal and magnetic texture of iron oxide nanoflowers.

Iron oxide nanoflowers (IONF) are densely packed multi-core aggregates known for their high saturation magnetization and initial susceptibility, as well as low remanence and coercive field. This study reports on how the local magnetic texture originating at the crystalline correlations among the cores determines the special magnetic properties of individual IONF over a wide size range from 40 to 400 nm. Regardless of this significant size variation in the aggregates, all samples exhibit a consistent crystalline correlation that extends well beyond the IONF cores. Furthermore, a nearly zero remnant magnetization, together with the presence of a persistently blocked state, and almost temperature-independent field-cooled magnetization, support the existence of a 3D magnetic texture throughout the IONF. This is confirmed by magnetic transmission X-ray microscopy images of tens of individual IONF, showing, in all cases, a nearly demagnetized state caused by the vorticity of the magnetic texture. Micromagnetic simulations agree well with these experimental findings, showing that the interplay between the inter-core direct exchange coupling and the demagnetizing field is responsible for the highly vortex-like spin configuration that stabilizes at low magnetic fields and appears to have partial topological protection. Overall, this comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the impact of crystalline texture on the magnetic properties of IONF over a wide size range, offering a deeper understanding of their potential applications in fields such as biomedicine and water remediation.

Hypotensive and heart rate-lowering effects in rats receiving milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains.

Previous studies have demonstrated that milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains significantly inhibits the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). However, the relationship between the ACE inhibitor and its in vivo action has revealed discrepancies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the antihypertensive and heart rate (HR)-lowering effect of milk fermented by specific L. lactis in a murine model. Spontaneously hypertensive male rats (271 (SD14) g) were randomised into four treatment groups that were orally administered with milk fermented by L. lactis NRRL B-50 571 or L. lactis NRRL B-50 572 at 35 or 50 mg protein/kg body weight (BW), respectively. Further, two more groups were fed with different solutions as controls: a saline solution as the negative control and Captopril (40 mg/kg BW), a proven ACE inhibitor, as the positive control. Blood pressure and HR were monitored by the tail-cuff method before the treatments and at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h post-oral administration. The results demonstrated that milk fermented by L. lactis NRRL B-50 571 as well as by L. lactis NRRL B-50 572 presented an important systolic and diastolic blood pressure- and HR-lowering effect. Thus, milk fermented by specific L. lactis strains may present potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of CVD associated with hypertension in humans.

Effect of ß-lactoglobulin A and B whey protein variants on cheese yield potential of a model milk system.

Cheese yield mainly depends on the amount and proportion of milk constituents; however, genetic variants of the proteins present in milk may also have an important effect. The objective of this research was to study the effect of the variants A and B of ß-lactoglobulin (LG) on cheese yield using a model system consisting of skim milk powder fortified with different levels of a mixture containing α-lactalbumin and ß-LG genetic variants (A, B, or A-B) in a 1:2 ratio. Fortified milk samples were subjected to pasteurization at 65 °C for 30 min. Miniature cheeses were made by acidifying (pH=5.9) fortified milk and incubating with rennet for 1h at 32 °C. The clot formed was cut, centrifuged at 2,600 × g for 30 min at 20 °C and drained for determining cheese yield. Cheese-yielding capacity was expressed as actual yield (grams of cheese curd per 100g of milk) and dry weight yield (grams of dried cheese curd per 100g of milk). Free-zone capillary electrophoresis was used for determining ß-LG A or B recovery in the curd during rennet-induced coagulation. The presence of ß-LG variant B resulted in a significantly higher actual and dried weight cheese yield than when A or A-B were present at levels ≤ 0.675% of whey protein (WP) addition. Results of free-zone capillary electrophoresis allowed us to infer that ß-LG B associates with the casein micelles during renneting, as shown by an increase in the recovery of this variant in the curd when ß-LG B was added up to a maximum at 0.45% (equivalent to 0.675% WP). In general, actual or dried weight cheese yield increased as WP addition was increased from 0.225 to 0.675%. However, when WP addition ranged from 0.675 to 0.90%, a drastic drop in cheese yield was observed. This behavior may be because an increase in the aggregation of casein micelles with a concomitant inclusion of whey protein in the gel occurs at low levels of WP addition, whereas once the association of WP with the casein micelles reach a saturation point at addition levels higher than 0.675%, rearrangements of the gel network result in larger whey expulsion and syneresis. This knowledge is expected to be useful to maximize cheese yield and optimize processing conditions during cheese and cheese analogs manufacturing.

Antihypertensive and hypolipidemic effect of milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains.

The antihypertensive and hypolipidemic effects of milk fermented by specific Lactococcus lactis strains in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated. The SHR were fed ad libitum milk fermented by Lc. lactis NRRL B-50571, Lc. lactis NRRL B-50572, Captopril (40mg/kg of body weight, Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO) or purified water for 4 wk. Results suggested that Lc. lactis fermented milks presented a significant blood pressure-lowering effect. No significant difference was noted among milk fermented by Lc. lactis NRRL B-50571 and Captopril by the second and third week of treatment. Additionally, milk fermented by Lc. lactis strains modified SHR lipid profiles. Milk fermented by Lc. lactis NRRL B-50571 and B-50572 were able to reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride contents. Thus, milk fermented by Lc. lactis strains may be a coadjuvant in the reduction of hypertension and hyperlipidemia and may be used as a functional food for better cardiovascular health.